The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mrs Kate Moreton-Deakin and Mr Tony Moreton Deakin, together with the Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen, Tracey Brabin MP, were the principal guests at the 2019 Armed Forces Day celebration.

Our principal guests and all the veterans and visitors were welcomed by the Spenborough Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton.

The event was held in Cleckheaton Memorial Park on 29 June 2019, the service being jointly conducted by the Rev Brunel James and Terry Brewis, both former Spenborough Branch Chaplains.

In her address to the people of Spenborough, The Deputy Lieutenant expressed her appreciation of past events such as D-Day and to all the present serving personnel. She reminded us that we have a Ministry of "Defence" not "Offence".

Wreaths were laid by The Deputy Lieutenant on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, Mr Alan Serjeant on behalf of The Royal British Legion and Mrs Sandra Garstang (late Queen Alexandra's Nursing Corps) on behalf of the Legion Women's Section.

The Branch is once again grateful to the members of the Spenborough Women's Section who provided light refreshments and to Father Nicholas Hird for the use of St Paul's Church hall.

Some words from The Prime Minister, Theresa May as she reviewed troops at Northwood on 8 July:

"You are not just a part of British life- you are the guarantors of British life. The foundation of our freedom. The protectors of our democracy. And for that, we owe you a debt of gratitude."