Liverpool is getting ready once again to celebrate Armed Forces Day, Saturday 30 June. Festivities will begin in Exchange Flags at 11:00 with a formal ceremony. Then led by the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Artillery 103 Regiment, the parade will make its way to the gates of The Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, where there will be events and activities between 10:00 and 16:00, with local entertainment and field hospital displays.
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the city to show its support for the Armed Forces and say thank you to the troops and their families for all they do for us year-round. Service personnel, both Regular and Reserve, from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Cadets and Veterans will be attending the service and the following events.
The city will also be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of HMS Eaglet, Wednesday 27 June. A Drum and Flag Service of commemoration will take place at 7:30pm, Exchange Flags. Which coincides with Reserve Forces Day where all those who are reservists are encouraged to wear their uniform to their civilian jobs with pride.
Reservists give up their spare time to serve, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that when they are required, are ready to deploy around the world as a crucial part of military operations.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and as such are integral to protecting the national security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber security.
Local artist Simon Armstrong has created a ‘Tree of Thanks’ that will be on display at the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool on Saturday 30 June, people are encouraged to write messages of thanks to our Armed Force ‘branches’ and hang their message on the tree.
Ian Francis, Armed Forces Champion for Liverpool said;
‘To be celebrating our Armed forces and Reserve forces is something as a city we look forward to every year. Having the opportunity to thank Regulars and Reserves is incredibly important for us,
Liverpool has a very long and proud tradition of supporting the services and being Armed Forces friendly.’
Simon Armstrong, local artist said;
‘I was thrilled to be asked to create the ‘Tree of Thanks’ for Liverpool’s Armed Forces Day celebration. It’s such a wonderful project for a great cause.
I hope people enjoy writing their messages and placing them on the tree. The Armed forces give up so much for us all and it’s a pleasure to be able to show gratitude.’
Events for Armed Forces Day, Centenary of HMS Eaglet and Reserve Forces Day are as follows;
Monday 25 June 2018
Armed Forces week Launch/Flag Raising – Liverpool Town Hall
9:00am – 10:00am
Photo opportunity
Not a public event – invitation only
Wednesday 27 June 2018
National Reservists Day – Liverpool Town Hall
Lord Mayor thank you lunch with Reservists
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Photo opportunity
Not a public event – invitation only
Wednesday 27 June 2018
HMS EAGLET 100 – Exchange Flags
1930 – 2130
Public Invited.
Saturday 30 June 2018
Armed Forces Day Drumhead Service and March
10:30am – 11:00am Drumhead Service on Exchange Flags
11:00am March to the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool – Exchange Street West, Water Street, The Strand,
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.
Public event
Military Exhibition at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
10:00 – 16:00
Performances 12:00 – 16:00
Public event
You can share and follow activities on Twitter with @ArmedForcesDay and using #SaluteOurForces.
