ARMED forces personnel past, present and future are set to be honoured in Southend as preparations continue for Armed Forces Day.

Active servicemen, veterans, and the public are being encouraged to pay their respects to the Armed Forces community and to take part in a week of activities to mark the occasion.

The Southend events are expected to be bigger and better than ever due to it being the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.

Mayor of Southend, John Lamb, said: “Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

“Southend has a long and proud military history, with Shoebury Garrison playing an important role in both world wars and fishing boats from Leigh aiding the Dunkirk rescue effort.

“This year will be extra special as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, evidence of which can still be seen in the form of the Mulberry Harbour – part of the mobile harbour destined for Normandy – which grounded in the estuary.

“Still to this day, we have an active service community as well as cadet forces reservists and this is an opportunity to pay them all our respects.

“I am very proud to be able to be involved in this very special and important event and urge everyone in the town to get behind it.”

From 10.30am on June 29, there will be a parade from the High Street to Victoria Circus

At 10.45am The Rev Frank Smith will conduct a public service. There will be “The Last Post”, gun fire, two minutes’ silence, a poppy drop and a Reveille at 11am.

From midday, bands will perform on a specially-built stage at Victoria Circus until 5pm.

A week of celebration will follow, with a host of events. Visit echo-news.co.uk for full details.