Rutland's flag raising ceremony

The flag raising ceremony in Oakham to mark the start of Armed Forces Week 2024

Transcript

00:30Please stand if you are able.

01:00Please stand if you are able.

01:30Please stand if you are able.

01:37As we gather today to mark the beginning of this week leading up to Armed Forces Day,

01:42let us take a moment to still ourselves and to remember and pray for our armed forces.

01:49Let us pray. Please do be seated.

01:56Heavenly Father, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women in our armed forces at home and abroad,

02:05for those in full-time service for reservists, and we pray also for their families.

02:13Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace.

02:17Strengthen them in their trials and temptations,

02:21and give them courage to face the perils that beset them.

02:25And help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love. Amen.

02:32Let us pray also for all those in our armed forces currently deployed on active service.

02:40Almighty God, stretch forth your mighty arm to strengthen and protect them.

02:47Grant that meeting danger with courage, and all occasions with discipline and loyalty,

02:54they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace.

02:58To the honour of your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.