Armed Forces Day 2023: Armed Forces Day on June 26 in the United Kingdom is a special day for the nation’s sovereignty and interests. Each year, notable and exceptional parades and marches are organised at the nation’s landmarks. Businesses and offices remain open on Armed Forces Day, despite the fact that it is an official event. One of the day’s objectives is to honour the service and sacrifice of the nation’s armed forces. The soldiers and cadets train every day to secure their country’s citizens from a variety of threats. Everyone praises their efforts, including politicians and celebrities. Another objective of the day is to raise funds for those injured on the job.
HISTORY OF ARMED FORCES DAY (U.K.)
Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom began in 2006 as Veterans’ Day. Veterans Day was seen as a continuation of Veterans Awareness Week. The Imperial War Museum, which was founded in London in 1917 to honour the efforts of the British Empire during World War I, initiated the first Veterans Day celebrations. James Gordon Brown, who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer, prime minister, and leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2010, observed the occasion. Veterans Day honoured veterans still alive and their families. Later in 2009, Veterans’ Day was renamed Armed Forces Day as a means of honouring and recognising all branches of the armed forces.
Included among the festivities are military parades and stage performances. In 2010, the most important events took place in Cardiff. From Cardiff Castle to Cardiff Bay, a military parade conducted by the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and the Duchess of Cornwall (Princess Camilla) took place. Additionally, Cardiff’s waterfront hosted numerous performances on land, sea, and air as stages. Each year, the main events are hosted by a different city, but the message of the armed forces remains the same: they reaffirm their commitment to safeguard the United Kingdom and all of its dependent territories. Highly trained forces are always available for deployment to confront and overcome any threats. The forces are also present to assist during natural disasters and de-escalate potentially hazardous situations. However, pacifist and antiwar groups frequently oppose Armed Forces Day on the grounds that it normalises violence and militarism in civilian life.
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Five mind-boggling facts about the British Armed Forces
The Royal Marines’ rigorous training programme
To conclude their training, the Royal Marines must successfully complete a 30-mile speed march.
Some military symbols are animal figures.
Some military units have animals as emblems, with Private Derby the ram serving as one.
Famous people have served in the military.
Author of “James Bond,” Ian Fleming, served in the Royal Navy.
Underage combatants in WW1
During World War I, soldiers had to be at least 19 to serve in the military, but many soldiers lied about their ages, and the youngest soldier was only 12!
A physician serving in the Navy
A dentist aboard a Royal Navy ship is referred to as a ‘fang-farrier.’
ARMED FORCES DAY (U.K.) DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 26 | Monday |
| 2024 | June 26 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 26 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 26 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 26 | Saturday |
