A RELIGIOUS group based in Seaford is shunning a fundraising event in the town which is being held to honour all serving and ex-serving men and women.
Armed Forces Day is taking place on Saturday, June 27, and has been organised by Seaford Mayor Councillor Tracy Willis.
The mayoral event, which will raise money for the mayor's charities and the Poppy Appeal, is to honour people for their commitmen
t to the country and has already gained much interest from veterans who said they would like to take part in the parade.
But the Seaford Quaker Meeting has expressed concern about the day going ahead and said they will not be present. Instead the group is planning to hold a silent vigil elsewhere in the town.
A letter penned to Cllr Willis on behalf of the Seaford Quaker Meeting reads, "As you will be aware, Quakers have maintained a witness against war and preparations for war for over 350 years. We believe that such actions are inconsistent with the spirit of Christ.
"We were therefore concerned to learn that it was intended to honour Britain's armed forces, past, present and future.
"We recognise that some people consider that armed force may be necessary in certain circumstances.
"However, we believe that it is far better to seek non-violent means to resolve conflict and we are concerned that Armed Forces Day may turn into a celebration of the use of force."
The letter goes on to say that while Quakers recognise conflict is part of life the group believes that 'we need to find and use means of resolving conflict that do not rely on the use of force and the imposition of death and destruction'.
Cllr Willis said she had not yet received the letter, but stressed the event was not about promoting war but celebrating those people who had gone through conflict and survived.
She said, "We can't forget those people that lost their lives and at the same time we have to celebrate the ones that made it through.
"I'm doing no wrong by celebrating and allowing those people to come out and celebrate."
A number of key dignitaries will be attending the Armed Forces Day which will be taking place on the Martello Fields from 10am - 4pm with various stalls and shows from different cadet forces.
The event will also include a parade shortly after 11.45am.
Cllr Willis, who has family members who have been servicemen, said she would take the comments on board and added, "It's not about promoting war or promoting riots it's merely about saying thank you for giving me the opportunity to stand where I am today.
"If anyone has an issue with that I am sorry about that but I am not going to cover it up because it (conflict] has happened.
"I appreciate there are people who have different views and we have people out there peace keeping. There is a number of sailors, airmen and so on peacekeeping and that needs to be acknowledged.
"It's not about looking back it's about looking forward. I hope that people come out and support what we are trying to do."
The Religious Society of Friends, often called Quakers, was founded more than 350 years ago.
The silent vigil being held by Seaford Quaker Meeting will be taking place in Crouch Gardens, on the site of the proposed Peace Garden, between 10am and 11am. Anyone is welcome to attend.
