Events to honour armed services
Saturday 27th June 2009, 11:15AM BST.
A display of support was being given to Britain’s dedicated servicemen and women today as they mark the first Armed Forces Day.
Approximately 200 community events have been organised in villages and towns around the country to honour existing service personnel and veterans.
A national event at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham, Kent, is expected to draw in about 30,000 members of the public.
The event was due to be attended by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, head of the Armed Forces Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Defence Minister Kevan Jones and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The Queen and the Prince of Wales released messages today highlighting the UK’s “deep and enduring gratitude” to its past and present soldiers, sailors and airmen.
The Queen was in Edinburgh, where she was due to present campaign medals to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
At Chatham, veterans and serving members of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF were expected to parade through the town and into the dockyard led by the Royal Marines Band. Thousands more were joining events taking place in cities, including Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, who was spending Armed Forces Day with troops in Afghanistan, said: “Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us all to recognise their commitment, their courage, and their sacrifice.”
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