THE TIES binding East Hampshire District Council and the armed forces have been strengthened with the signing of the district’s Armed Forces Community Covenant.
This is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local armed forces. The aim is to demonstrate the council’s commitment to current servicemen and women, veterans and their families and to promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting the armed forces community.
In an online ceremony, council chairman Cllr Adam Carew and representatives of the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force reinforced their commitment to the covenant and its principles.
The council plans to launch an Armed Forces Stakeholder Group for organisations working with armed forces personnel, veterans and their families to share information on services and collaborate on future projects.
Cllr Carew said: “It is a real privilege for me to sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant on behalf of East Hampshire District Council and the people of East Hampshire.
“This covenant is a binding promise for our council to support members of the armed forces community who live and work in the district. It is our duty to ensure armed forces personnel are treated with the respect they deserve and recognise the immense sacrifices they make.”