Vigilance can report that yesterday, Armed Forces Day flags of red, white and blue proudly flew over 10 Downing Street and public buildings across the UK, signalling the start of a week of celebrations ahead of the third annual Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June.
Vigilance learnt the flags were hoisted to show support for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, cadets and their families. Armed Forces Day was launched as an opportunity to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.
In Afghanistan, the Union flag continued to be flown across British bases in Theatre, with the Armed Forces Day flag proudly displayed alongside by personnel serving there. They were joined by Memphis the spaniel from the Theatre Military Working Dog Support Unit and the Big Dog himself – Radio 1’s Tim Westwood, who visited Afghanistan last month – who gave their seal of approval to flying the flag for Armed Forces Day.
Theatre spokesman Wing Commander Martin Tinworth, serving at CampBastion, Helmand said: “Whilst it will be a normal working day for military personnel from all three Services serving their country across Afghanistan, it is heart-warming to know that the public back home are thinking of us on Armed Forces Day. The support of the British public is hugely important to us all, especially when we are so far from home.”
Back home, bases across the country displayed their solidarity with their comrades in theatre by flying their Armed Forces Day flags.
Armed Forces Day is a chance for the British public to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families and from veterans to cadets.
As well as raising the Armed Forces Day flag, communities across the country are hosting hundreds of events to celebrate the Armed Forces, with the national, three-day celebration taking place in Edinburgh this year, from 24rd to 26th June.
Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox enthused: “Armed Forces Day provides a unique opportunity for us all to pay thanks to the men and women who serve this country with such distinction. As Defence Secretary, I have the privilege of witnessing the work they do at first hand: defending our nation and its interests both at home and abroad. They represent the very best of Britain