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Get ready to show your support and gratitude for the brave men and women serving in the United Kingdom's Armed Forces on June 24 for Armed Forces Day! This day has been observed since 2009 to honor those who protect our country and defend our freedom. It's a chance for us to recognize their sacrifices and contributions, as well as celebrate their courage and dedication. From parades to concerts to military displays, there are many ways you can join in the festivities and express your appreciation for our armed forces. So let's come together and make this day a memorable one for our heroes in uniform!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Honor Our Forces Concept</div><div class='timeline-text'>The early idea for a dedicated day to honor the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom is conceptualized.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Veterans Day UK </div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Veterans Day UK, later to become Armed Forces Day, is held, initiated by then-Chancellor Gordon Brown.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Armed Forces Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Armed Forces Day was held on June 27, replacing Veterans Day UK, aimed to encompass celebration and recognition for all those serving.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nationwide Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 2011, Armed Forces Day has become a nationwide event, with shops and homes displaying the flag of the Armed Forces for the week leading up to the day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Largest Armed Forces Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2014, the Armed Forces Day event held in Stirling attracted over 100,000 people, making it the largest Armed Forces Day celebration to that point.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations moved online; however, they continued with virtual parades, musical performances, and tributes from iconic landmarks.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a military parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many towns and cities in the U.K. hold parades to honor and celebrate the armed forces. Attend one of these parades and show your support for those who serve our country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send care packages to deployed service members</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends or family members and put together care packages to send to deployed service members. This is a great way to show your appreciation and support for those serving in the armed forces.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a military museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day at a military museum, learning about the history and sacrifices of the armed forces. This is a great way to honor and remember those who have served or are currently serving.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a veteran's organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to a local veteran's organization and offer to volunteer your time. This could include helping with events, fundraising, or simply spending time with veterans and listening to their stories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a BBQ for service members and their families</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and host a BBQ for service members and their families. This is a great way to show your appreciation and spend time with those who serve our country.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the sacrifices of servicemen and women</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Armed Forces Day is a day to recognize and pay tribute to those who have served or are currently serving in the military. It serves as a reminder of the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices made by these individuals to protect their country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for the armed forces</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Armed Forces Day also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the roles and responsibilities of the armed forces. This helps to foster a better understanding and appreciation for their contributions to society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Armed Forces Day is not just for members of the military - it's a day that everyone can participate in and show their support. This celebration of service often includes parades, family events, and other activities that bring communities together in gratitude and solidarity.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Armed Forces Day is Celebrated in Over 100 Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the dates and the activities vary, Armed Forces Day is recognized across the globe, with over 100 countries having a special day to honor their military forces.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Serving Soldiers, Veterans and Cadets are Honored </h3><p class='facts-content'>Armed Forces Day is unique because it honors not just those currently serving, but also veterans and cadets, acknowledging their dedication and service to the nation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Official Flag is Raised Across the UK a week Before the Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the week before Armed Forces Day, the official flag is raised on buildings and notable landmarks across the country symbolizing unity and support for the armed forces.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Armed Forces Day Tri-Service was Held in Historic Chatham Dockyard</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first Armed Forces Day that incorporated all three services - the Army, Navy, and Air Force - was held in the historic dockyard of Chatham, Kent, which has a rich military history of its own.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Armed Forces Day is Backed by The Royal Family</h3><p class='facts-content'>The British royal family actively supports Armed Forces Day, with members of the family often attending events. The Duchess of Cornwall is the Patron of Armed Forces Day.</p></div></div>
Armed Forces Day (U.K.) is celebrated on June 24th every year. In 2024, the date falls on a Monday.
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Jun 24
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2024
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Jun 24
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2026
Jun 24
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