Celebrations will be getting under way to mark Reserves Day today as part of this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Those who served in the Reserve Forces will wear their uniform today to highlight those who balance their civilian lives with a military career.

Around one sixth of the Armed Forces is made up these troops, who are ready to serve should their country require them.

Epping Forest District Council Chairman Cllr Richard Bassett said “Epping Forest along with more than 450 councils around the country, will be raising the Armed Forces flag as part of the countrywide celebrations to honour Britain’s Armed forces present, past and future.

“This provides us with the opportunity to show our support for those who serve in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, and to those who have served in previous generations.”

On Monday, June 24, the council flew its Armed Forces Day flag to mark the start of the week-long celebrations.

Cllr Bassett was also involved in the 75th D-Day anniversary this month when he was a passenger on a Spitfire plane which flew out of North Weald Airfield.

He added: “Armed Forces Day is a celebration of our veterans’ community too, whatever their age. They have our respect, our admiration and our gratitude.

“One of the marks of any civilised nation is the way it supports and respects those who fight for their country, and their families.

“They are an integral part of who we are as a nation, and an inspiration to us all.

“As a nation, we continue to be indebted to those who today risk their lives in many places around the world and to the veterans whose service we will never forget and always honour.”

Armed Forces Day is set to take place on Saturday, June 29, across the country.

Visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk/about/ to find out more about the campaign and events happening on the day.