THIS Saturday will be a proud and memorable day for Southend.

The town is to be honoured with a VIP visit from the head of the British Army on a special day to mark the sacrifices of service men and women in past and present conflicts.

The Armed Forces Day, attended by General Sir Richard Dannatt, will give residents a chance to remember that the freedoms we all enjoy often come at a high price.

It is to be hoped the whole town will support the various celebrations to honour the service men and women who are ready and willing to protect our country.

Veterans and serving soldiers can hold their heads high and parade through the town to Pier Hill.

We owe it to them to be there to cheer them on and let them know we appreciate their willingness to lay down their lives in order that others can live theirs in peace.

There will be those who have lived through such tumultuous events as the Normandy landings in June 1944 and those who today brave the treacherous foothills of Afghanistan.

It is the least we can do to spare an hour to see them proudly receive well-deserved presentations from Sir Richard.