Armed Forces Day

As I prepare to set off for the National Memorial Arboretum I thought I'd take a second to remind you that today is Armed Forces Day!

There's a full programme of events at the NMA and I'm sure that, wherever you live, there is an event near to you too.

Please get involved and thank those who have served or continue to serve and spare a moment for those who have left this life through conflict or, having served, old age.

Honour our veterans and give thanks for the freedom we enjoy as a result of the service of others.

Armed Forces' Day meets the Torch

Yesterday was one of the best days I can remember for a very long time as people crowded into the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) to see Johnson Beharry carry the flame to the Armed Forces' Memorial (AFM).

During the proceedings monies raised by those who take part in the Ride to the Wall (RTTW) event were presented to the NMA and as part of an extremely full day we held a service in the grounds to celebrate those who have served, continue to serve and those who have given their lives in the service of our nation (and the world as part of the many peace-keeping forces too).

Here's a couple of different photographs from those that will be found around the internet:

Armed Forces' Day 2012

Today began at the National Memorial Arboretum with Johnson Beharry VC carrying the Olympic torch and will continue with a number of events to celebrate Armed Forces' Day (including a service of celebration and remembrance at 10:30). There are many others events (Birmingham has the torch and a major celebration going on) so why not find out where your local celebration is and go pay it a visit and celebrate those who wear uniforms and work for peace and the protection of this nation and others?

Who knows, might see you at the Arboretum perhaps?