Welcome T


he defence of this country, its people and their interests is fundamental to our wellbeing and prosperity, and those who assume this responsibility take on a vital and


sometimes considerable challenge. The men and women of our Armed Forces past and present have consistently risen to that challenge in magnificent fashion, day in and day out, no matter the difficulties they face. Regulars, reservists and their families all bear so much on our behalf and have more than earned the nation’s gratitude. Armed Forces Day takes place this year on Saturday, June 26,


and is the day when the whole nation is encouraged to show support for our military community. Building on the success of last year’s event, I anticipate Armed Forces Day this year will be marked with even more community-led activities and events across the nation, not least in the City of Cardiff, the host of this year’s national event. At every event you will find the public celebrating servicemen and women from all walks of life; regular and reserve, veterans, cadet forces and their families. It is this public show of warmth, pride and respect that


typifies Armed Forces Day, its true purpose a means for everyone across the nation to say thank you. In recent years, interest in the Armed Forces has grown, due in no small part to the exceptional courage and professionalism shown on operations in Afghanistan. Milestones such as the anniversaries for the end of the First and Second World Wars, and the end of British operations in Northern Ireland and Iraq also raise awareness of the achievements of our servicemen and women. It was clear that this groundswell of support needed an outlet, and Armed Forces Day provides this admirably. Last year, I was greatly heartened by the response from local authorities, ex-service organisations, schools and individuals who organised so many events all around the country. It was these organisations and individuals, devoting their own time and energy to encourage the public to come together and celebrate, that made Armed Forces Day 2009 such a great success. Support for the Armed Forces was shown in a variety of


ways besides traditional events, activities parades and concerts. As part of the build-up to Armed Forces Day, I invited local authorities to ‘Fly a Flag for the Armed Forces’, a campaign which was adopted with great enthusiasm. Over 3,000 were hoisted all around the British Isles on the Monday before Armed Forces Day, 500 of them flown by local authorities. Flags were also flown in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Falkland Islands and Fiji. In 2010, my aim is for local communities throughout the United Kingdom to take part in a simultaneous hoisting of the Armed


Forces Day flag at 10:30am on June 21, once more the Monday before Armed Forces Day. My hope is that this simple ceremony will be repeated across the country and that flags will be left flying after Armed Forces Day itself. In my position as Chief of the Defence Staff, I know from


talking to our servicemen and women how important it is to know that the public appreciates them and are behind them every step of the way, especially when they find themselves in challenging and difficult situations. I hope that you will join me in this year’s celebrations in any way you can, making Armed Forces Day 2010 an occasion to remember. •


Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup


www.armedforcesday.org.uk SHOW YOUR SUPPORT 7


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