Secretary of State praises role of military at Armed Forces Day in South Wales
Celebrations will get underway right across Wales today to mark the ninth annual Armed Forces Day,
Armed Forces Day
Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns will join thousands of people at the South Wales celebrations in Caerphilly to honour the work and dedication of our brave Servicemen and women deployed around the world.
Mr Cairns will deliver a reading at the traditional Drumhead Service against the backdrop of Caerphilly Castle, before enjoying a packed programme of events which will include military displays and live music.
Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:
On operations at home and overseas, the men and women of the armed forces work to protect the security, independence and interests of our country 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year.
In Wales we have a special connection with our Armed Forces and this annual event gives the public an opportunity to show their appreciation and pride for our soldiers, sailors and air personnel who sacrifice so much for others.
Our debt of gratitude also extends to the families they leave behind and the veterans past and present who have dedicated years of their lives to service. I am honoured to mark Armed Forces Day 2017 in their company.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said:
It’s a huge pleasure to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Caerphilly.
The young sailors and marines under my command work incredibly hard to defend the UK and to protect our interests overseas. But they cannot do it alone. They rely on their loved ones to support them, and they need the British public to understand the commitment and sacrifices required to keep us safe in an uncertain and competitive world.
I know how proud the people of Wales are of the Royal Navy, and the Army and Royal Air Force too. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to thank service personnel and their families, and to celebrate the contribution of reservists, veterans and the youth and cadet organisations who make such an important contribution to national life.
The Welsh Rugby Union is also showing its support for the British Armed Forces this year. Serving Members of the Army, Navy and RAF were invited to mingle with the Wales national rugby team at their training base in the Vale of Glamorgan ahead of their departure for their summer tour to Tonga and Samoa.
The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales has further shown its support by flying the Armed Forces Day flag above Gwydyr House, the department’s headquarters in London.
Notes to editors
- The 2017 National Armed Forces Event will be held in Liverpool on 24 June.
- You can find out more about Armed Forces Day here