Monmouth and Chepstow both flew the flag in support of Armed Forces Day last Saturday (30th June).

Flags were raised above the Shire Hall in Monmouth and the archway in Chepstow in a show of solidarity with the forces.

Home to the 1st Battalion The Rifles, Monmouthshire has tight links with the military.

"It is a great honour to serve the country and we wear our uniform with pride," said Lieutenant Colonel James de Labillière DSO* MBE.

"While it is humbling to be recognised for our efforts and sacrifices, it gives us a great deal of pleasure to be the focus of the nation's appreciation on Armed Forces Day."

Only the day after the nationwide celebrations, three soldiers were killed in Afghanistan by a man wearing an Afghan police uniform. A sobering reminder of why troops need the country's continued support.

In a recent example of Monmouthshire's drive to support the Armed Forces, a Monmouth shop raised £150 last week in aid of Blind Veterans UK in their Tarts for Troops campaign. Staff from Specsavers raised money with a cake sale.

Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth conducted a ceremonial sail-past at Plymouth Hoe on Saturday, also as part of the national Armed Forces' Day celebrations.

HMS Monmouth's 180 sailors lined her decks to salute the First Sea Lord at the Belvedere on Plymouth's Hoe, with HRH the Earl of Wessex, the Prime Minister and thousands of spectators looking on. A 21 gun salute marked the start of the ceremony as HMS Monmouth, sailed close to the historic Hoe in line astern formation along with HMS Argyll, HMS Raider and RFA Mounts Bay.

HMS Monmouth took a short break from operational sea training in order to conduct the sail past and thank the gathered crowds for their show of support to the Armed Forces before turning around and returning to sea.