Preston will pay tribute to its armed forces with the signing of a military covenant.
AdvertisementThe city from Monday will put pen to paper to show its support for the military.
The agreement means the city can assist current and former servicemen and women with the opening of a new ‘one stop’ advice shop in the Spring.
By signing the covenant councillors will be pledging their support to the long-standing army bases and other military connections to the city.
Councillor David Borrow, who has responsibility for the council’s connection with the armed forces, hailed the covenant as “historic”.
He said: “Preston is deeply proud of all its links with the military and it makes me very proud that the city is able to sign up to this new, military covenant.
“It’s about building new alliances and partnerships with service personnel and veterans. We recognise the sacrifice people make when serving their country and in Preston we are rightly proud of our armed forces.
“Essentially this covenant is about ensuring that practical help gets to those people either serving or have served.
“It’s also about building links between the military and civilian community so that people can quickly and easily access services as well as fostering a better understanding across all our communities.
“We are looking forward to working closely with our local military contacts and veterans associations to take this military covenant forward in Preston.”
Signing the covenant for the military will be the North West’s most senior soldier.
Brigadier Nick Fitzgerald, Commander of 42 (North West) Brigade, said: “Preston has always been a Service-friendly place. The local community has a strong record of supporting its local personnel, both past and present, and I’m sure that same sense of welcome will be extended to those service personnel yet to return here from wherever in the world their Service has taken them. That’s why we in the military are extremely proud to be part of the Preston Community Covenant.”
The covenant will be signed at 2pm on Monday at Preston Minster on Church Street.
What do you think about the covenant? Are you in the armed forces or have a family member in the services? Let us know your views in the comments below
Image credit to Middle Ford Miss