As the nation proudly marks Armed Forces Week, communities across the UK come together to show unwavering support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community—from currently serving personnel and Service families to veterans, reservists and cadets.
This patriotic celebration culminates in Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 28 June 2025, a moment for the nation to salute the courage, commitment and sacrifice of our Armed Forces.
A Time to Show Our Gratitude
Armed Forces Week, which began this year on Monday 23 June, is a heartfelt opportunity for individuals, communities, and organisations across the country to demonstrate their appreciation for our military. It’s a time to celebrate the invaluable role of our Armed Forces, both past and present, and to honour those who serve with pride.
From hosting local events to joining in online tributes, or simply flying a flag in your garden, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you’re attending a street party, sharing your thanks on social media, or joining thousands at official parades and flypasts, every gesture counts.
One of the week’s key highlights was Reserves Day on Wednesday 25 June, a dedicated occasion to recognise the vital contributions of our Reserve Forces—those who serve part-time while balancing civilian careers and family life.
To discover how you can take part or find a local event near you, visit: www.armedforcesday.org.uk
Supporting Our Armed Forces Community
Showing public support for our Armed Forces isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a deeply valued morale boost for all those who serve and their families. Whether they are deployed overseas, training at home, or returning to civilian life, our service members thrive on the knowledge that the nation stands with them.
The UK Armed Forces are constantly engaged in missions that defend our nation and promote peace and stability around the world—from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations.
“The 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.”
The Armed Forces Family
Our Armed Forces community is vast and diverse, encompassing many dedicated groups:
- Veterans: Anyone who has served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces, including National Servicemen, Regulars, and Reservists. Veterans remain a vital part of the military family, and Armed Forces Day celebrates their service and continued contributions.
- Reservists: These individuals balance civilian careers while serving part-time in the military, ready to support operations at home and abroad when needed.
- Cadets: With more than 135,000 cadets and 25,000 adult volunteers across the UK, the Cadet Forces offer young people leadership training, vocational qualifications and a sense of purpose.
- Families: Behind every soldier, sailor and airman or airwoman is a network of loved ones who offer essential support. Families are the unsung heroes of the Armed Forces, providing stability and strength.
- Charities: While Armed Forces Day is not a fundraising event, many local celebrations work in partnership with UK military charities to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.
To learn more about the support available for veterans, visit Veterans UK or call 0808 1914 218.
The Armed Forces Covenant
The nation’s commitment to those who serve doesn’t end with Armed Forces Day. Across government, businesses, and local communities, support is enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant—a pledge that ensures no member of the Armed Forces should face disadvantage in public or commercial services.
“Supporting our sailors, soldiers and aviators goes beyond Armed Forces Day.”
To find out more about the Covenant and how you or your organisation can support, visit the official website.
Celebrate with Pride
As Saturday 28 June approaches, let’s raise our flags and voices in honour of all those who serve. This is more than a day of recognition—it is a national promise that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Explore events, learn more, and get involved at www.armedforcesday.org.uk
We are proud. We are grateful. We support our Armed Forces.
Photos licensed under the MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
