Celebrations kicked off the countdown to Armed Forces Day National Event in Aldershot and Farnborough on 27 and 28 June.
It is just 100 days to go until the community and Armed Forces join together to celebrate Aldershot and Farnborough’s military heritage and their continuing role in the nation’s defence by hosting this prestigious event.
And to celebrate the borough’s success and to officially start the 100-day countdown, more than 200 schoolchildren from two local schools in Aldershot and Farnborough visited Queens Parade in Aldershot today to view military vehicles, meet serving service personnel and listen to musicians from the Band of The Coldstream Guards.
The children from Marlborough Infant School (6–7-year-olds) and The Wavell School (11–12-year-olds) were able to see and explore a British Army Jackal military vehicle and a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter as part of the special 100-day event, before moving into a 100 formation.
Deputy Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Councillor Sophie Porter, who worked with the community to submit the bid, alongside local MP Alex Baker, said: “This is going to be an incredible free event which brings the whole of the Armed Forces community together in Aldershot and Farnborough this summer.
“We are so proud to bring Armed Forces Day National Event home to Aldershot and Farnborough, and we invite everyone to get involved.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “I am incredibly proud of our Armed Forces and the families and communities who support them in their work to keep Britain safe.
“Armed Forces Day is the nation's chance to celebrate the deep contribution that our military community makes – seen and unseen – every minute of every day.
“In this new era of growing threat, we are relying more and more on the bravery of our personnel. Our forces continue to step up as demands rise - to protect the UK at home, to support Ukraine, and now working round the clock to keep British people and allies safe in the Middle East. Let's celebrate their extraordinary commitment by making this year’s Armed Forces Day the best yet."
Major Aden Philpott, military coordinator for the Armed Forces Day national event, said: "Having the kids from Marlborough Infant School and The Wavell School down at Queens Parade today was a brilliant way to kick off the countdown.
“Aldershot is the home of the British Army, and our personnel are incredibly proud to be part of this community. Giving the children a chance to explore the kit and speak to our people helps them understand who we are behind the uniform.
“We are putting a huge amount of effort into getting ready for the weekend in June, and we are looking forward to showing the public exactly what we do.”
Armed Forces Day (27 June) provides a national opportunity to show support and gratitude for the Armed Forces community - serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets, and their families.
It also highlights the military’s contribution to national security, the economy and society and gives reason to appreciate how and why the Armed Forces are operating around the world to keep Britain secure.
The Ministry of Defence announced last November that it had approved Rushmoor Borough Council’s bid to stage the UK’s main military celebration in Aldershot and Farnborough.
To back the event, the Ministry of Defence is providing Rushmoor Borough Council with £50,000 in funding, and is guaranteeing access to military personnel and equipment, meaning residents will see live military bands, parades and flypasts during the weekend.
In Aldershot and Farnborough, plans are well under way to create a unique tribute to the Armed Forces, past, present and future, and to bring the community together in celebration and appreciation through activities, sports and entertainment.
Rushmoor Borough Council is also proud to link with QinetiQ, an integrated defence and security company, headquartered in Farnborough, which has kindly agreed to become the first key sponsor of the Armed Forces Day National Event.
A full line-up will be announced in due course, but a programme of events and activities is being organised by Rushmoor Borough Council, with support from the military. This will include a schools day for invited local school children on Friday 26 June, the Armed Forces Day National Event on Saturday 27 June, featuring a military parade, Arena displays, and music, and a Community Day on Sunday 28 June, in which residents can enjoy community activities, sport taster sessions and competitions.
The events will celebrate over 170 years of military heritage through displays, museum activities, and ceremonial traditions that connect visitors with Aldershot and Farnborough’s military past - Aldershot as the traditional home of the British Army and Farnborough as the birthplace of British military aviation.
Service personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, and Royal Air Force will be showcasing the diverse mix of roles in the current Armed Forces, demonstrating equipment, and highlighting their contribution to national security. Visitors will be able to meet serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets, and military families during the weekend.
The programme of activities will also look to the future by inspiring young people through displays, activities, sports, and family events, while celebrating the diversity of the modern Armed Forces community.
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