UK pays tribute to military personnel for Armed Forces Day 2023
Scotland’s National Event in Glasgow attended by Defence Minister Baroness Goldie
The Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, visited HMS Prince of Wales ahead of Armed Forces Day
Events are being held across the United Kingdom, including in Scotland, to celebrate Armed Forces Day today (Saturday 24 June), highlighting the work that the UK Armed Forces do in keeping the people of the United Kingdom safe.
In Glasgow, a parade featuring personnel from each of the Armed Services will march through the streets, alongside a number of veterans and cadets. This will be followed by the opening of multiple engagement stands, an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the role the UK Armed Forces play.
Now in its 15th year, Armed Forces Day is the culmination of a week of events which celebrate the entire Armed Forces community and all that they stand for, thanking them for defending our way of life, protecting British citizens around the world, and strengthening our relationships with our allies and partners. It also recognises the service and sacrifice the families of serving personnel make.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“From Estonia to the Indo-Pacific, as well as here at home, our Armed Forces personnel protect and defend our freedom every day of every year.
“Much of that service we do not see and often take for granted, but this year we have been privileged to watch thousands of our military on parade for the Coronation, in what was a showcase of our forces’ phenomenal precision and professionalism.
“So I know I speak for the entire country on this Armed Forces Day, when I say thank you to every soldier, sailor and aviator, and their families, who form part of our brilliant Armed Forces.”
From Stirling to Southampton, more than 108 events are being held by communities across the country with parades, salutes, fayres and flypasts. Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to thank the entire Armed Forces community: service personnel, veterans, cadets and their families, friends and supporters.
Earlier this week, military personnel attended a flag raising ceremony in George Square, Glasgow, to mark the start of Armed Forces Week in Scotland.
Armed Forces Day films have also been broadcast at various train stations around the country throughout this week, paying tribute to the military community. Locations include Edinburgh and Cardiff amongst many others. Armed Forces Day will also be marked today by those deployed on Operation Interflex, the UK based training programme providing essential battlefield skills to Ukrainian recruits.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:
“It’s fantastic to see the whole country unite for Armed Forces Week - culminating today in Armed Forces Day - to recognise the selfless service of our extraordinary UK military.
“Britain’s fantastic Armed Forces have a long and distinguished presence in Scotland. It’s right that we celebrate and say thanks to our much cherished community of service personnel, reserves, veterans, cadets and families for their unwavering commitment in helping keep us safe.”
On Friday, the Prime Minister visited British Army personnel involved in Trooping the Colour at Wellington Barracks to thank them for their dedication and service.
His Majesty The King has also today paid tribute to the “immense and dedicated” contribution of UK service personnel, to mark Armed Forces Day 2023.
In a message of support, His Majesty acknowledged “the selfless service and sacrifice” the Armed Forces make, whilst also thanking the wider Armed Forces community, including military families and veterans, for the role they play in allowing service personnel to fulfil their duties.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
“Armed Forces Day recognises the commitment and resilience demonstrated by our entire Armed Forces community every day of the year.
“I hope the entire nation will join me today in paying tribute to this community and recognise all those who make so many sacrifices to uphold the freedoms and rights of the British people.”
The UK Armed Forces protect the UK and promote our interests around the world 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. On Armed Forces Day 2023, more than 14,000 sailors, marines, soldiers and aviators will be based overseas and deployed around the world, serving on 33 operations in 28 countries.
Scotland plays a crucial role in the work of the UK Armed Forces and the defence of the United Kingdom. Scotland is home to several strategic defence assets, including the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, based at HM Naval Base Clyde and unbroken for 54 years; the P8 Poseidon submarine hunting Maritime Patrol Aircraft, based at RAF Lossiemouth; and the E-7 Wedgetail Early Warning and Control aircraft, which will also be based at RAF Lossiemouth from 2024/25.
Half of the UK’s Typhoon fast jet aircraft are also based at RAF Lossiemouth, providing the Quick Reaction Alert facility, to defend and protect UK airspace. Scotland, and its historic regiments, also played a central role in the ceremonial proceedings that followed the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II throughout Aberdeenshire and Edinburgh.
Over 14,000 military personnel are currently based in Scotland, alongside over 3,900 Civil Servants employed by the Ministry of Defence. A further 550 military personnel and their families will be based in Moray by 2024.
Since last year’s Armed Forces Day, UK military personnel have been at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine, supported the evacuation of British Citizens from Sudan and led the nation in high-profile ceremonial roles at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation.