It’s Armed Forces Day and a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: From currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved.

When is it?

Today (Saturday 24th June)! Armed Forces Day always takes place on the last Saturday each June.

However, you may have noticed Armed Forces Day celebrations began on Monday 19 June when the Armed Forces Day flag was raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.

Where is it?

Physical and virtual events are being held across the country to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day. You can also click here for more information on local events.

Why do we have Armed Forces Day?

Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families. You can find out more about what they are doing at home and around the world by visiting the official sites of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

The public show their support for the Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day, but did you know the Armed Forces Covenant outlines how the Government, businesses and communities support Armed Forces personnel past and present throughout the year? Find out more here.

Who is involved?

The Armed Forces

The UK Armed Forces defend the UK and its interests. They are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers, providing security and fighting terrorism.

Veterans

A veteran is anyone who has served in the HM Armed Forces at any time (including National Servicemen, Regulars and Reserves). Armed Forces Day celebrates their continued role within the military community.

You can find out more information about support for Veterans on the Veterans-UK website or by calling Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218.

Reservists

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve.

An annual Reserves Day celebrates their contribution to the Armed Forces.  Reserves Day is always the Wednesday ahead of Armed Forces Day – 21 June.

Cadets

The Cadet Forces (Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and the Combined Cadet Force) currently support over 130,000 young people in more than 3,000 locations across the UK. Cadets learn life and career building skills as well as gaining vocational qualifications..

Families

The Armed Forces couldn’t do their job without the incredible support of their family and friends.

Charities

Although Armed Forces Day is not a charitable event, the Armed Forces have the support of several UK charities and many local events will offer opportunities to support them. To find out more about Armed Forces charities please see here.

For more information go to www.armedforcesday.org.uk

#SALUTEOURFORCES

#SaluteOurForces is a simple way for anyone to pay tribute to the British Armed Forces community for their hard work, dedication and efforts to and keep us safe in the UK and across the globe. Last year, celebrities, members of the public and businesses all got involved – check out the best salutes in the Armed Forces Day Facebook album here.

To join in, simply send in a photo or video of yourself or your friends and colleagues saluting!

You can submit your images in several ways:

• Tweet @ArmedForcesDay using #SaluteOurForces.
• Comment on one of the Facebook posts,
• or email armedforcesdayuk@gmail.com.

Note they may use your photo on their website or social media channels. See the terms and conditions to find out more.

Saluting like Service Personnel

If you want to make sure you get it right, they have made some short videos to show you how the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force salute – so you can take your pick!

The Royal Navy salutes with hand facing down:

Salute Our Forces Royal Navy transcript

But the British Army and Royal Air Force salute with palms out:

Salute Our Forces British Army transcript

Which method will you choose when you send your image in to #SaluteOurForces?

Salute Our Forces Royal Air Force transcript

Thank you to the Armed Forces Day organisers for allowing us to republish some of this information.