On Saturday 27th June, Armed Forces Day was celebrated up and down the country for men and women who served, both past and present in the armed forces. Events during the day ranged from grand parades to community events in local areas, with attendance from both the Prime Minister, David Cameron, and his Royal Highness the Duke of York.
The Prime Minister joined the celebration in Guildford where he said “Today we celebrate our brave servicemen and women who work so hard to keep our country safe”. Alongside the Prime Minister’s appearance, a parade of more than 900 Service personnel, veterans and cadets marched through the historic heart of Guildford. During the afternoon celebrations, Stoke Park displayed the Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado flypast. Visitors also enjoyed seeing displays from a Sea King search and rescue team. A Spitfire and a Hurricane, from the RAF Battle of Britain memorial Flight, were also seen flying overhead, along with the Swordfish biplane from the Royal Navy Historic Flight.
Meanwhile, the Duke of York took the salute on the parade route on behalf of The Queen and Royal Family, as the world famous Red Arrows roared overhead in tribute. Alongside these formal celebrations, more than 150 events were held in towns and cities across the UK. Celebrities and members of the public showed their support on social media using the hashtag #SaluteOurForces. British businesses have also shown their support, with the Royal Mail postmarking Saturday’s mail with “Armed Forces Day 27 June 2015” and BT Tower illuminating the London skyline with the messages “Show Your Support; Armed Forces Day 2015” and “#SaluteOurForces”.
After many people showed their support up and down the country, the day was ruled a success and the next Armed Forces Day will take place on the 25th June 2016. Some more events from the day have been captured on video which you can see for yourself below and show support to the British Armed Forces.
