Plans for the first ever national Armed Forces Day to honour the UK's Service personnel, past, present and future, were launched by Veterans Minister, Kevan Jones in Chatham, Kent, today Thursday 22 January 2009.

Service personnel launch Armed Forces Day
[Picture: POA (Phot) Terry Seward]

Service personnel of the past, present and future launch Armed Forces Day in front of HMS Gannet in the Historic Dockyard at Chatham National Armed Forces Day will be held on 27 June 2009 and the Historic Dockyard Chatham has been selected to host the main event which will be complemented by hundreds of smaller events in towns and cities across the UK.

From this year on, Armed Forces Day will be held annually on 27 June, providing the nation with a dedicated day where people can come together to show their appreciation and support of the Armed Forces.

Speaking at today's launch of Armed Forces Day which took place on board HMS Gannet Mr Jones said:

Our Armed Forces and veterans rightly deserve the nation's support and recognition. They, and their families, have made and continue to make huge personal sacrifices to ensure the interests of our country are defended, and this day is our chance to say "thank you"

We're encouraging all communities to put on some type of event in recognition of their armed forces, both past, present and future. They form an integral part of the community, and this day enables us to show our appreciation of them.

I am very pleased to announce that The Historic Dockyard Chatham will host the first ever Armed Forces Day. It is a place with more than 400 years of military history and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year of becoming a Trust, ensuring its maritime heritage is safeguarded for generations to come. I look forward to the first Armed Forces Day on the 27 June.

Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel), said:

For the past three years, the nation has come together on 27 June to celebrate Veterans Day. More and more communities have held events to honour the contribution of those who have served in the UK Armed Forces.

To build on this success, from 2009 the day will also celebrate the men and women still serving in our Armed Forces and those who may one day come to serve. We are planning a whole range of events across the country, and Chatham will have a leading role to play.

RAF veteran Robin Green took part in the launch event. He was one of the last National Servicemen to enter the RAF, serving from 1960 to 1962. He said:

I am delighted to be here in Chatham to witness the launch of Armed Forces Day. The planned events will provide a real boost to morale amongst the Armed Forces community and it is good to know that our hard work and efforts are being recognised.

Sir Ian Garnett, Chairman of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said:

It is both an honour and a privilege for The Historic Dockyard Chatham to host the UK's first National Armed Forces' Day. We are looking forward to arranging a great day out which will enable the public, young and old, from many different walks of life, to join the men and women of our Armed Forces and celebrate their achievements both now and in the past. It is an exciting challenge but one to which we are much looking forward, and I have no doubt that for participants and visitors alike it will be a day to remember.

Royal British Legion Director General Chris Simpkins added his message of support:

The Royal British Legion applauds the introduction of Armed Forces Day, and we will lend our fullest support to events celebrating the achievements and contribution of the Armed Forces - past, present and future.

The Ministry of Defence is allocating £400,000 towards the cost of Armed Forces Day.

Chatham's Historic Dockyard is an 80-acre site on the River Medway that has played a vital role in the history of the Royal Navy for over 400 years. From the Spanish Armada to The Falklands War, ships have been built, repaired and manned from Chatham, including world-famous vessels such as HMS Victory.