Britain celebrates Armed Forces Day
The Prime Minister has led tributes to Britain’s military as the UK celebrates Armed Forces Day and the “contribution made by those who serve their country”.
More than 300 events took place across the UK on Saturday, with Salisbury – the location of last year’s Novichok nerve agent attack – hosting the national ceremony.
Armed Forces Day, an annual showcase, gives people the chance to show their support for the men and women within the UK’s forces community.
In a video shared on social media, Theresa May said: “Thank you to all of you who choose to serve your country whether Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force, full-time or reserve, the longest-serving veteran or the newest recruits.
“It is also a chance to remember the wider service community, whether it is children who endure long periods apart from their mothers and fathers, or friends and families who do so much to support loved ones in uniform.
“You all play a part in making our Armed Forces the best in the world and the pride of our nation.”
In Salisbury, the Princess Royal took the salute during the parade of 1,300 personnel from across the three services, cadets and veterans, with the Kaiser Chiefs also headlining a concert.
“#ArmedForcesDay is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by those who serve their country. I want to say thank you to them, and parents, friends and families who play their part in making our Armed Forces the best in the world and pride of our nation” PM @Theresa_Maypic.twitter.com/fvwvHK2uHg
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) June 29, 2019
The city also hosted military displays including a flypast by the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows and an aerial display by the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.
And with additional music provided by military bands including those from the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt also attended the celebrations in Salisbury – speaking to serving troops.
Over the years The Queen, Commander-in-chief, has met many servicemen and women of all ranks, and their families, both at home and overseas.
In 2009 HM spoke about how "deeply thankful" she, and the entire nation are for those who serve in the Armed Forces. #ArmedForcesDaypic.twitter.com/wI3pIHYHsU
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 29, 2019
On social media, the Royal Family’s Twitter account noted how the Queen, commander-in-chief of Britain’s military, maintains a “close relationship” with serving members and veterans.
“In 2009 Her Majesty spoke about how ‘deeply thankful’ she, and the entire nation are for those who serve in the Armed Forces,” one of their Armed Forces Day posts stated.
