AN army veteran has helped to raise a flag to launch Armed Forces’ Day.

Charlie Schneider, 47, who spent seven years in the army with tours to Gibraltar and Cyprus, was joined by members of the territorial army to launch a search for veterans in Swindon as part of the launch of the event, which takes place in June.

Charlie, of Freshbrook, left the army in 1986 and was presented with a Veteran’s Badge during last year’s Armed Forces’ Week and said it was a very proud moment and would urge others to come forward to collect theirs.

“Over the years everyone who has served in the armed forces usually left without to much of a fuss and now it is nice to recognise their efforts,” he said.

“It is a great family occasion and I would urge anyone in Swindon to come forward, I felt very proud to get that recognition.”

For the last two years InSwindon have run Armed Forces’ Week in the town centre, which includes a Veterans’ Badge Ceremony.

Veterans need to register for the badge which will be awarded to them either by the Mayor of Swindon or the Lord Lieutenant.

Captain Andy Lambert, of the 280 movement control squadron of the Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers), said that the true meaning behind Armed Forces’ Day was what was most important.

“Armed Forces’ Day is a recognition of people who have served in the armed forces past and present,” he said.

“This is one of the only opportunities for a nation to their appreciation for all those who have served in the armed forces.

“It is particularly significant this year with the presence of forces in the pubic eye every day in Afghanistan and now Libya.

“It’s a fairly new initiative for anybody who has served in the force to get a major recognition which is long overdue.

“There is a huge military relationship Swindon has with the presence of RAF Lyneham and the significance of Wootton Bassett and then Brize Norton when repatriations move there.”

This year’s Armed Forces’ Day takes place on June 25, and will start with a military parade through the town centre, followed by a military service and the badge award ceremony.

For more information, or to apply for the veterans’ badge, visit the Visitor Information Centre, in Regent Street, or log on to www.swindontowncentre.co.uk.