Armed Forces Week highlights extent of Rutland’s military links

Wednesday, 23 June 2021 15:17

As Armed Forces Week continues, it’s revealed that nearly a quarter of Rutland’s residents have a military connection.

It’s estimated at least 1 in 5 people in Rutland have a military connection and it could even be as many as 1 in 4. The statistic which has been revealed as part of Armed Forces Week, takes into account friends, neighbours, veterans, military staff and their families. The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, is keen that the annual flag raising ceremony that took place at Oakham Castle on Monday sends a supportive message to our forces communities in the county:

“It’s extraordinary! We have at least 20% of our population, if not 25%, who have a military connection of some kind.” Dr Furness says. “There are 1300 serving personnel at our two Army bases, many with partners and children and although estimates vary, there are about 5000+ veterans in the county and many of those are married or have partners. It gives our county its unique character and I’m particularly keen that we support that.”

Armed Forces Week concludes with Armed Forces Day, on Saturday 26th June.

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