IN PICTURES: Armed Forces Day celebrated across the UK
It is estimated that some 100,000 people came out to support this year's UK Armed Forces Day national event in Edinburgh, which witnessed some of the most spectacular military displays ever seen in the United Kingdom.
Troops on parade at the Armed Forces Day national event in Edinburgh [Picture: Mark Owens, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]
While Edinburgh was the official host city, other events took place up and down the country.
In Birmingham, crowds gathered in Victoria Square and around Paradise Forum on Saturday morning as a private ceremony was held at the Hall of Memory, Centenary Square, to honour Service personnel.
In Manchester, the Lord Mayor, Harry Lyons, inspected parades in front of more than 1,000 spectators - including serving personnel and their families.
He said:
This is a fantastic way for the city to thank everyone who has served our country and all those who continue to do so. Armed Forces Day reminds us of the gratitude we owe all servicemen and women past and present.
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, a service held at the Anglican Cathedral was followed by a march from the cathedral down Hope Street, to an enthusiastic reception by watching members of the public.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales takes the salute as troops march past at the Armed Forces Day national event in Edinburgh [Picture: LA(Phot) Sally Stimpson, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]
The march, led by the Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was made up of serving military personnel, along with veterans, the Merchant Navy, and cadets from the Merseyside Army Cadet Force and the Merseyside Wing of the Air Training Corps.
In Cardiff, well-wishers braved the rain to cheer on the troops. The event in Cardiff saw crowds clapping and cheering as serving troops, veterans, cadets and volunteers proudly marched from Cardiff Castle and made their way down St Mary Street.
At the national event in Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall watched a parade of 2,500 veterans, cadets and serving members of the Armed Forces, before meeting veterans and families of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
In Plymouth, the day was marked on the Hoe with a marching band and exhibitions and displays on land, sea and air. At the event Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey also announced that Plymouth is to host the fourth UK Armed Forces Day on 30 June 2012.
Mr Harvey said:
Armed Forces day is coming home and it’s richly deserved.
The warmth and hospitality the city has shown our Armed Forces, our veterans, cadets and their families over the years has been outstanding, and truly demonstrates the historic link between the military and the city.
It is clear from previous Armed Forces Day celebrations held in Plymouth that the city is well placed to host the national event.
Council leader Vivien Pengelly said:
This is a real honour for the city and testament to the overwhelming public support shown for Plymouth’s servicemen and women.
Plans will now be getting under way to stage our biggest Armed Forces Week yet and do the city’s Armed Forces Community proud.