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Dudley Residents Gather for Largest Free Armed Forces Day Celebration in the West Midlands

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thousands of residents came together at Himley Park on Sunday, June 29, to celebrate Armed Forces Day, one of the largest free events in the West Midlands region. The celebration honored both past and present military personnel, with the Mayor of Dudley, Pete Lee, and deputy lieutenant Richard Boot OBE, presenting badges and certificates to local servicemen. Among those honored was Joe Bullock, a Royal Navy veteran who turned 100 in December, who received a commemorative civic paperweight from the mayor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 3,000 residents attended the Armed Forces Day celebration in Himley Park, making it one of the largest free events in the West Midlands region.
  • The Mayor of Dudley, Pete Lee, and deputy lieutenant Richard Boot OBE, presented badges and certificates to local servicemen, including Royal Navy veteran Joe Bullock, who served from 1942 to 1946 and was awarded the Legion d'Honneur in 2015.
  • The Royal Yeomanry's B (SWWY) Squadron was reaffirmed with the Freedom of the Borough honour, the third such honor bestowed in Dudley borough's history.
  • The event featured performances from the D Day Darlings, the Mercian Regiment's contemporary band, and the Royal Yeomanry and 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron RAF Cadets military bands.
  • Joe Bullock, who turned 100 in December 2024, was recognized for his service, including crossing the Channel in the Normandy landings during WWII and being posted to Singapore.
  • The mayor expressed gratitude to the veterans who attended the celebration and praised the Royal Yeomanry's B Squadron for their support of Armed Forces Day events in Dudley borough.

Statistics:

  • 3,000+ residents attended the Armed Forces Day celebration in Himley Park.
  • Joe Bullock served in the Royal Navy from 1942 to 1946 and was awarded the Legion d'Honneur in 2015.
  • 3rd Freedom of the Borough honour bestowed in Dudley borough's history on the Royal Yeomanry's B (SWWY) Squadron.

Sources:

  • "A Celebration of the Nation's Military Personnel". Dudley Council Press Release.
  • "Armed Forces Day Celebrations in Dudley". BBC News.
  • "Praise for Veterans as Dudley Hosts Armed Forces Day". Express and Star.

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