http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVr0JIrvwNY
Events for Armed Forces Day
The chosen location of the 2010 Armed Forces Day is Cardiff: a city with a strong military history that houses the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Welsh at Maindy Barracks.
A week of celebrations commences on 21st June, with a flag raising ceremony at the Castle and includes the arrival of a Royal Navy Warship at Roath Basin on the 25th.
The main event on June 26th centres on the Cardiff Bay Area, with a National Armed Forces Day Parade forming up at Cardiff Castle, prior to a service at Drumhead.
Further details and programme of events taking place can be found on the website at www.armedforcesday.org.uk
The First Armed Forces Day
The Armed Forces Day event was inaugurated in 2009, and marked concerns about a “growing gulf between the Army and the nation” expressed by General Sir Richard Dannatt, former head of the army.
Celebrations in 2009 centred on the Chatham Historic Dockyard – previously a Royal Navy Base – and were attended by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sara, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and head of the Armed Forces Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup and Defence Minister Kevan Jones.
Held in gloriously sunny weather, the day proved to be a resounding success that helped to promote a better understanding of, and respect for, the armed forces.
Exciting flypasts of historic aircraft including the Red Arrows, Hurricanes, Spitfires and Lancasters took place.
Royal Navy ships were opened to visitors, and military displays were joined by those of the RNLI and Fire and Rescue Services.
At more than 200 events that took place in other parts of the country, members of the armed services wore their uniform with pride, from Eastbourne to Manchester and up to the Scottish Highlands where the public was able to take part in practical demonstrations and fundraising or watch displays, parades and marching bands.
Veteran’s Day
Armed Forces Day was instituted to replace Veteran’s Day, observed since 2006.
The date of 27th June was chosen as the day after the anniversary of the first investiture ceremony for the Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria, held in Hyde Park on 26th June 1857.
A special flag based on the Union Jack was designed by the government for the occasion which is organised by councils and businesses.
Armed Forces Day Worldwide
Armed Forces Day has been celebrated in many nations for some years to honour their respective military forces on varying dates.
In Australia and New Zealand for example, ANZAC Day held on April 25th commemorates 1915 when Australian and New Zealand forces fought against the Turkish at Gallipoli.
In Brazil, Dia do Soldado (Soldier’s Day) is celebrated on August 25th: the birthday of the war hero Luis Alvés de Lima e Silva.
In China, Army day is celebrated on August 1st: the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army in 1927.
Russia holds a Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23rd.
In the US, Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 as a result of the unification of the military services and is held on the third Saturday in May, although separate observance of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coastguard Days still continues.
Armed Forces Day – 26th June 2010
Armed Forces Day was set up to honour the outstanding contribution made by the men and women who currently serve in the Armed Forces, as well as the veterans who did so in the past.
It also offers an opportunity for civilians to meet with local members of the military forces and learn more about their work.
In the UK, Armed Forces Day is a happy occasion for showing united support on a single day.
For the many people who would like to show their appreciation for the brave men and women who serve their country all the year round, there’s a great opportunity to do so via Twitter or Facebook pages, see the links below.
External Links:
Armed Forces Day
Events for Armed Forces Day 2010
Armed Forces Day on Twitter
Armed Forces Day Facebook page