Penarth Town Council held a closed commemoration at West House, but neither the public nor all veterans were invited to attend.
The town council said the small flag raising ceremony was carried out as normal but apologised that it had not been more widely advertised.
It was only after the event that some residents became aware it had taken place.
One resident whose sister is a highly decorated veteran said: “I was very disappointed to read that Penarth had organised an event to honour Armed Forces Day but held in in their Admin HQ and as such excluded any local Veterans or the public. What really was the point of honouring the Armed Forces but without any of them being there?
“I know my sister would have loved to have attended your Service, as would our Father who was 96 on the day of your celebration.
He served in Korea and moved to Penarth two years ago with our mother. I know there are many other local Veterans and supporters of the Military in Penarth who would have also loved to be part of your celebration.”
The sister referenced in the letter, her sister is a retired Army Reservist who served for 36 years in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC).
She commanded a field hospital squadron in Iraq and Kuwait and has been recognised with an MBE, the Royal Red Cross Class 1, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
A post by Cllr Anthony Ernest revealed the existence of the ceremony.
He said: “I attended today Penarth’s honouring of Armed Forces Day, held in the grounds of West House. The Town Mayor watched with myself, my good friend, Cllr. Ian Buckley, and Staff, as the flag was hoisted to the masthead.
“Following a short tribute by the Mayor, a Minute’s Silence was held, before we departed. There are believed to be around 5,000 Ex Service personnel living in the “Beautiful Vale of Glamorgan”.”
Many residents expressed their disappointment online.
One said: “There was nothing in the Penarth Times about it before hand and residents can’t really be expected to scan the council website every week for events.”
Others remarked that there was no mention of the event on the council’s website.
A spokesperson for Penarth Town Council said: “As is traditional, Penarth’s Town Mayor raises the Armed Forces Flag at West House Gardens to fly for a week in marking Armed Forces Day. This short ceremony is open to the public and we would not want anyone to be excluded.
“We apologise that this year, the flag raising ceremony held at West House was not more widely advertised through our usual channels and have reviewed our processes for advertising to ensure greater awareness.”
