A 91-year-old former Colditz prisoner-of-war was among those raising special flags yesterday to mark Armed Forces Day.
Sidney Woodvine, of Thurmaston, who served with the Desert Rats in North Africa and Italy, where he was captured, raised the flag at County Hall.
Watched by dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton, and Councillor Rosita Page, chairman of Leicestershire County Council, he raised the flag at the Armed Forces Stand Easy memorial.
Also there for the ceremony were pupils from The Hall Primary, Glenfield, members of the Royal British Legion, cadets and the Territorial Army.
Mr Woodvine, a member of the Leicestershire branch of the Korean Veterans' Association, said: "I did my duty. You're never too old for it and I keep going.
"It went beautifully and I felt proud to do it – any survivor of a conflict would be."
In Melton, six dogs and two horses from the Defence Animal Centre in the town took centre stage as RAF dog handler Sgt Nick Lyons raised the flag outside Melton Borough Council's Parkside headquarters in Burton Street.
The Rector of St Mary's Church, in Melton, the Reverend Kevin Ashby conducted a short service and blessed the flag in a ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Melton, Councillor Marilyn Gordon.
Loughborough's tribute to the Armed Forces, fallen heroes, veterans and their families, saw the Armed Forces Flag raised outside the town hall. Councillor Sandie Forrest, Charnwood mayor, said: "It is with great pride that I represent the borough at the flag-raising ceremony, paying tribute to the brave men and women who defend Britain."
