Ninth Armed Forces Day celebrated across the country

A record number of events took place across the country on Armed Forces Day, 24 June 2017, to mark the ninth annual celebration.

Parades, military displays and community fetes took place across the country to show gratitude to the Armed Forces community for the work they do. Sailors, soldiers, airmen and women were recognised alongside the wider defence family including the Cadets and veterans.

Gun salutes heralded the start of the parade from St George’s Hall, accompanied by a flypast from an RAF Typhoon and ending with a flypast from the Red Arrows. Other displays included plans, helicopters, diving tanks, inflatable boats, tanks and marching bands.

The event was held in Liverpool and attended by the Earl of Wessex who represented the Queen and the Royal Family.

Prime Minister Theresa May, who attended the event, said: “Our world-leading Armed Forces work day and night to defend our country and our way of life, both at home and abroad. In the aftermath of the Manchester attack, military personnel played a vital role on UK streets, providing visible reassurance to our communities. And further afield they continue to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria, helping to drive the terrorists back and give ordinary people in those countries the chance to rebuild their lives.

“I am proud to have attended the Armed Forces Day celebrations in the great city of Liverpool this year, joining thousands of people in expressing our gratitude to the men and women who do so much to preserve our freedom.”

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who also attended the event, commented: “Today is a valuable opportunity to give something back to the Armed Forces community, which works so hard to keep us safe each and every day. We have much to thank them for. In the last few years alone, our Armed Forces have fought Daesh terrorism, rescued thousands of migrants in the Mediterranean and helped protect us here at home. I commend Liverpool for a spectacular event and thank organisers across the country for their efforts to mark Armed Forces Day.”

Wendy Simon, Liverpool’s Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for Culture, Tourism and Events, added: “What an incredible event! It truly is a day of celebration, and from the start it has been a sea of colour and sound – a fantastic spectacle for everyone. It was wonderful to see serving personnel, side by side with cadets and veterans marching through Liverpool, cheered on by the crowds lining the streets. This city has risen the occasion and I’m delighted to say we are giving the armed forced the ‘thank you’ they deserve.”

As well as the national event in Liverpool, events have been organised across the country to celebrate, including in Caerphilly, Plymouth, Bangor and Edinburgh.

Defence Minister Earl Howe has announced that the next national event will take place in and around Llandudno in the borough of Conwy, North Wales.

He said: “Llandudno represents a superb venue for next year’s celebrations and I’m sure the town will bring together the whole nation in celebrating our Armed Forces. Wales was the proud host of the national event in 2010 when thousands of people celebrated in Cardiff. The support from the Welsh Government and local communities, coupled with the rich and vibrant history of Llandudno, means that the town is the ideal choice to make the event even more successful in 2018.”

Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, added: “I’m delighted that the national Armed Forces Day event will return to Wales in 2018. This time next year, we will see veterans of wars gone by and soldiers serving in conflicts around the world today marching side by side in Llandudno, united in pride in service to their country.

“In Wales we have a special connection with our Armed Forces and this annual event gives the public an opportunity to show their appreciation and pride for our soldiers, sailors and air personnel who sacrifice so much for others. Our debt of gratitude also extends to the families they leave behind and the veterans past and present who have dedicated years of their lives to service. I am honoured to mark Armed Forces Day today - and in the years to come - in their company.”