Elected members, veterans, council officials Armed Services and community representatives attended a special ceremony and reception to mark the start of Armed Forces Week (22 – 28 June 2025).
Raising the Armed Forces Week flag provides a visible reminder of the week but also of East Lothian’s respect for, and gratitude towards, our Armed Services community.
East Lothian’s Provost Councillor John McMillan and Lord-Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart welcomed guests to John Muir House, Haddington, before piper Rod Paton led the group to Court Street where the Armed Forces Day flag was raised from the roof of the building. Short speeches reflected upon the importance of the Armed Services particularly in 2025, the 80th year since the end of World War 2, and the sacrifices that those who serve and their families make on the nation’s behalf.
Guests then returned to John Muir House for an informal reception and an opportunity to share experiences.
East Lothian’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor John McMillan said: “Armed Forces Week is an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, reservists, veterans and cadets.
“Raising the Armed Forces Day flag provides a visible reminder of the week but also of East Lothian’s respect for, and gratitude towards, our Armed Services community. I am pleased to welcome some of its members here today and to mark this moment with them.”
HM The King’s representative in East Lothian, Lord-Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart, said: “By raising the Armed Forces Day flag in Haddington, in the heart of our county, we are very publicly showing the support of East Lothian’s people for our Armed Forces past and present.
“The UK’s Armed Forces defend our country and its interests around the world 24/7: they promote and help deliver peace, they provide a key role in tackling drug smuggling, they fight terrorism and provide security for us. Armed Forces Week provides our serving and reservist troops, and their families, with a much valued and appreciated morale boost.”