Southend’s annual St George’s Day parade will start outside the Odeon Cinema at 10am this Sunday (April 24).
It will be led by the RAF Colour Party of 54 Sqn, which has just been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Southend.
The impressive parade line-up - which also includes members of the Armed Services, Veterans, representatives of the Emergency Services, Cadets, and youth organisations - will march down the High Street to St John’s Church for a special service starting at 11am.
After church, the parade will re-form for a march past at the junction of Pier Hill and Royal Mews.
An official salute will then be taken and the Freedom of the Borough ceremonially presented.
54R Squadron OC – Wing Commander Andy Ross said: “This is a very special day for 54(R) Squadron. We are here to honour the British and Allied forces that fought and died during the Battle of Britain and to recognise all the men and women who continue to serve in the Armed forces today.
“We’re immensely proud to be exercising the bond of friendship with Southend-on-Sea, an honour which cements the links between 54(R) Squadron and the people of Southend in this our centenary year.”
The Mayor of Southend, Councillor Andrew Moring, said: “We are very grateful to the Southend branch of the Royal Society of St George for organising the parade.
“This year’s event gives us an extra special chance pay tribute to the RAF No.54 Reserve Squadron by presenting them with the Freedom of the Borough. We wanted to thank them formally on behalf of Southend for their 100 years of service.
“We are delighted to welcome so many RAF personnel taking part in the parade.
“I hope as many residents and visitors as possible will come along too, to show their support for the work of all our Armed Services, Veterans, Emergency Services and youth organisations.”
It will be led by the RAF Colour Party of 54 Sqn, which has just been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Southend.
The impressive parade line-up - which also includes members of the Armed Services, Veterans, representatives of the Emergency Services, Cadets, and youth organisations - will march down the High Street to St John’s Church for a special service starting at 11am.
After church, the parade will re-form for a march past at the junction of Pier Hill and Royal Mews.
An official salute will then be taken and the Freedom of the Borough ceremonially presented.
54R Squadron OC – Wing Commander Andy Ross said: “This is a very special day for 54(R) Squadron. We are here to honour the British and Allied forces that fought and died during the Battle of Britain and to recognise all the men and women who continue to serve in the Armed forces today.
“We’re immensely proud to be exercising the bond of friendship with Southend-on-Sea, an honour which cements the links between 54(R) Squadron and the people of Southend in this our centenary year.”
The Mayor of Southend, Councillor Andrew Moring, said: “We are very grateful to the Southend branch of the Royal Society of St George for organising the parade.
“This year’s event gives us an extra special chance pay tribute to the RAF No.54 Reserve Squadron by presenting them with the Freedom of the Borough. We wanted to thank them formally on behalf of Southend for their 100 years of service.
“We are delighted to welcome so many RAF personnel taking part in the parade.
“I hope as many residents and visitors as possible will come along too, to show their support for the work of all our Armed Services, Veterans, Emergency Services and youth organisations.”
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