Thousands of people across the world paid tribute to the UK's past, present and future military personnel on the first ever Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June 2009

.Hundreds of events took place in many different communities around the world from London to Afghanistan and Edinburgh to Gibraltar.

Almost 200 events happened across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland alone, while military bases where UK Service personnel are deployed across the world celebrated in their own ways.

More than 30,000 members of the public,wanting to show their support for Service personnel and veterans, were expected at the main national event which took place at Chatham's Historic Dockyard in Kent.

The London Eye is lit up in red, white and blue to mark Armed Forces Day
[Picture: Sgt Andy Malthouse, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]

The celebration featured a military parade, a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows, as well as presentations and interactive displays from the Royal Navy, the Army, and the Royal Air Force.

Thousands more people were expected to attend other events in places including Cardiff, Blackpool, Nottingham, Southend, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and Plymouth.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth spent Armed Forces Day with troops in Afghanistan. He said:

Every day the men and women of our Armed Forces are risking their lives for the defence of our country. They are the guardians of our security and our values.

Armed Forces Day on the 27th June is an opportunity for us all to recognise their commitment, their courage, and their sacrifice. On this day there is no other place that I would rather be than here, amongst our servicemen and women on operations.

It is also an opportunity to thank the thousands of veterans who have played so fundamental a role in protecting our country's freedom. And it is a chance to think about the families who support our brave men and women all year round.

I sincerely hope that people across the UK will join in the events taking place today, and honour our Service personnel - past, present and future."

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, who attended the national event in Chatham, said

:"The many events that are taking place today and the enthusiasm the British public has shown for Armed Forces Day mean a great deal to those in the military family.