Armed Forces Day (United Kingdom) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Armed Forces Day |
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| Official name | Armed Forces Day |
| Observed by | United Kingdom |
| Significance | Celebration of the contributions, both past and present, of those who have served in the British Armed Forces |
| Observances | Parades, silences, celebrations |
| Date | Last Saturday of June |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Remembrance Day |
Armed Forces Day is a special yearly event in the United Kingdom. It happens in late June. This day celebrates the brave men and women who serve, or have served, in the British Armed Forces. It used to be called Veterans' Day and was first celebrated in 2006. In 2009, its name changed to Armed Forces Day. Even though it's an official event, it's not a public holiday in the UK. It is always held on the last Saturday of June.
Contents
- How Armed Forces Day Began
- Early Celebrations: Veterans' Day Events
- Armed Forces Day Celebrations
- Armed Forces Day Begins: 2009
- Celebrating in Cardiff: Armed Forces Day 2010
- Edinburgh Hosts Armed Forces Day 2011
- Plymouth's Armed Forces Day 2012
- Nottingham's Armed Forces Day 2013
- Stirling's Armed Forces Day 2014
- Guildford's Armed Forces Day 2015
- Cleethorpes Hosts Armed Forces Day 2016
- Liverpool's Armed Forces Day 2017
- Llandudno's Armed Forces Day 2018
- Salisbury's Armed Forces Day 2019
- Scarborough's Armed Forces Day 2020 (Postponed)
- Armed Forces Day 2021 (Not Held)
- Scarborough Hosts Armed Forces Day 2022
- Cleethorpes Hosts Armed Forces Day 2025
How Armed Forces Day Began
Plans for this special day started in February 2006. Gordon Brown, who was a government leader at the time, announced it. He wanted to make sure that the brave actions of veterans were never forgotten. Across the UK, people celebrate with local events. Medals are given to former service members. The date, June 27th, was chosen because it was close to the day the first Victoria Cross medal was awarded in London in 1857.
Veterans' Day grew out of a "Veterans' Awareness Week" that happened in 2005. Armed Forces Day celebrates those who are currently serving or have served in the military. This is different from Remembrance Day, which honors those who have died in service. It's also important to know that the UK's Veterans' Day (now Armed Forces Day) is not the same as the Veterans Day in the United States.
In 2007, a politician named Jim Devine suggested that Veterans' Day should become a public holiday. He believed it would show how much the country appreciated its veterans.
Early Celebrations: Veterans' Day Events
First Celebrations: Veterans' Day 2006
The very first Veterans' Day in 2006 had many events across the UK. A special gathering took place at the Imperial War Museum in London. Famous heroes attended, like Lachhiman Gurung, who received the Victoria Cross for his bravery in 1945 during World War II. Also present was Christopher Finney, who earned the George Cross for his courage in a difficult situation in 2003. Parades were held in places like Dundee and Staffordshire. A service also took place at Westminster Abbey. Later, a special evening event was held at 10 Downing Street for groups representing veterans.
Veterans' Day 2007 in Birmingham
In 2007, the main national event was in Birmingham. It was part of a five-day celebration. A "Parade of Standards" marched through the city, led by the Royal Air Force Band. The parade went from the International Convention Centre to the Hall of Memory. In Victoria Square, people could see a famous Spitfire airplane. Derek Twigg, a government minister, gave out Veterans' Badges and met families of those who had lost loved ones in service.
Veterans' Day 2008 in Blackpool
In 2008, the main Veterans' Day event took place in Blackpool. It was part of their yearly "National Veterans' Week." Events happened all over the UK, and a TV advert helped spread the word. A special service was held at the Blackpool Cenotaph, a historic monument. Important guests attended, including Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and General Sir Richard Dannatt. Henry Allingham, who was the oldest surviving veteran of World War I at the time, was also there. After the service, local schoolchildren performed a "Thank You" show for veterans.
Blackpool hosted many other activities. The Duchess of Cornwall presented veteran badges in the famous Tower Ballroom. A Veterans' Parade marched along the promenade. A veteran from the Falklands War even abseiled down Blackpool Tower! The day ended with a spectacular fireworks display from the pier. There was also a special event in Trafalgar Square in London.
Armed Forces Day Celebrations
Armed Forces Day Begins: 2009
In 2009, the event's name changed to Armed Forces Day. This was done to help more people understand and appreciate those actively serving in the military. It happened on Saturday, June 27th. The main host town was Chatham, Kent, but other events took place across the UK, including in London.
Celebrating in Cardiff: Armed Forces Day 2010
Armed Forces Day in 2010 took place on Saturday, June 26th. The main celebrations were held in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The day featured a large military parade that marched from Cardiff Castle to Cardiff Bay and the city's waterfront. A range of events, activities, and artistic performances were staged on land, sea, and in the air.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall led the parade. A Royal Navy ship, HMS Kent, was docked in Cardiff for people to see. About 50,000 people came to enjoy the celebrations. Other cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Plymouth also hosted events.
In Cardiff, some of the activities included:
- A special Drumhead Service in Roald Dahl Plass.
- Amazing fly-overs by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the famous Red Arrows display team.
- Displays by the Royal Marine Commando Team and the Royal Marine Band.
- Military exhibits from all parts of the armed forces around Cardiff Bay.
- A search and rescue helicopter demonstration on the water.
- The chance to visit HMS Kent on board.
- Evening performances with music and a Welsh choir.
- A grand fireworks show over Cardiff Bay.
Edinburgh Hosts Armed Forces Day 2011
Armed Forces Day in 2011 was on Saturday, June 25th. The main parade marched along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. Soldiers, sailors, and air force members saluted Prince Charles at the Scottish Parliament. Many important leaders were there, including the Prime Minister. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows flew over Edinburgh. A Royal Navy ship, HMS Portland, was open for public visits at Leith.
In Windsor, Berkshire, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge presented medals to the Irish Guards for their service in Afghanistan. Many other events and parades happened across the UK. At the Royal Navy base in Portsmouth, two destroyers, HMS Gloucester and HMS Daring, were open for people to explore.
Plymouth's Armed Forces Day 2012
In 2012, UK Armed Forces Day was held in Plymouth on Saturday, June 30th. Many similar events happened all over the United Kingdom. The day focused on local communities celebrating their armed forces. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, also came to show his support. Highlights included a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a Spitfire airplane on display, and a performance by the Red Arrows.
Nottingham's Armed Forces Day 2013
UK Armed Forces Day in 2013 was centered in Nottingham on Saturday, June 29th. Over 300 similar events took place across the United Kingdom.
Stirling's Armed Forces Day 2014
In 2014, UK Armed Forces Day was held in Stirling on Saturday, June 28th. Hundreds of similar events were organized throughout the United Kingdom.
Guildford's Armed Forces Day 2015
UK Armed Forces Day in 2015 was centered in Guildford on Saturday, June 27th. Hundreds of similar local events were held across the United Kingdom.
Cleethorpes Hosts Armed Forces Day 2016
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In 2016, UK Armed Forces Day was centered in the Lincolnshire resort of Cleethorpes on Saturday, June 25th. Some activities also took place on June 26th in Grimsby Docks.
Liverpool's Armed Forces Day 2017
Armed Forces Day in 2017 was held in Liverpool.
Llandudno's Armed Forces Day 2018
Llandudno was the host city for UK Armed Forces Day in 2018. It was celebrated on Saturday, June 2nd.
Salisbury's Armed Forces Day 2019
Salisbury was the host city for UK Armed Forces Day in 2019. It was celebrated on Saturday, June 28th.
Scarborough's Armed Forces Day 2020 (Postponed)
Scarborough was chosen to host the 2020 UK Armed Forces Day event on Saturday, June 27th. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed until 2022.
Armed Forces Day 2021 (Not Held)
Armed Forces Day was not held in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scarborough Hosts Armed Forces Day 2022
Armed Forces Day in 2022 was held on June 25th. The host town was Scarborough, which had been chosen to host the cancelled 2020 event.
Cleethorpes Hosts Armed Forces Day 2025
Armed Forces Day in 2025 was held in Cleethorpes again over the weekend of June 27-29. Activities took place along the seafront from the Pier to the local leisure center.
