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 2006

On the 27 June 2006 over 200 events across the UK marked the inaugural Veterans Day. From Aberdeen to Yeovil ex-service associations, Councils, schools and local communities, some receiving financing from the MOD’s designated £150,000 grant, celebrated the contribution of all those who have served in our armed forces. Although 27 June was formally designated as Veterans Day events to mark the occasion have been held throughout the summer.

As well as the plethora of small events there were a number of larger community based celebrations across the UK. In London Veterans Day was staged at Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park (adjacent to the Imperial War Museum) where many thousands of visitors enjoyed a host of displays, exhibitions and demonstrations. The event was linked to the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross and the 50th anniversary of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association and took as its theme the concept of bravery, loyalty and selflessness, concepts synonymous with the VC and GC.

 

This theme was depicted in the art work of those schools who entered the MoD sponsored schools art competition. Art work was displayed in the Park alongside many other exhibits including a fully interactive display from the Royal Logistics Corps catering division that demonstrated army cooking through the ages. Celebrity chef, Brian Turner was on hand to demonstrate the huge variety of military cuisine. The London event also boasted that for the first time ever, physical training display teams from all three Services performed at the same event. Military and Cadet bands performed throughout the day.

 

Cardiff hosted Wales’s official event where the First Minister, Rhoddri Morgan was one of several dignities who presented HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges to veterans from across Wales. The Cardiff event was held on Prince Phillip’s birthday (10 June) where a 21-gun salute signalled the start of proceedings which concluded with a Beating Retreat organised by the Army: 160 (Wales) Brigade. The event , which attracted over 5,000 visitors throughout the day was supported by MoD, Cardiff City Council and the Welsh Assembly . Other Welsh communities, including Port Talbot, Pontypool, Torfaen and Cwmbran hosted their own Veterans Day events.

 

Scotland’s main event was hosted in Dundee where the ex-services groups worked with Veterans Scotland, Dundee City Council and the Scottish Parliament to produce a full day of events to mark the occasion. Many other events were held throughout Scotland, some including the presentation of the popular Armed Forces Veterans Badge to local veterans.

 

The UK’s biggest event was held in Blackpool where ex-service groups and Blackpool Council, with the support of the MoD, organised 9 consecutive days of events which attracted many thousands of visitors. For example a community based event attracted over 30,000 people and over 100,000 enjoyed a Veterans tribute air display, despite the rain!. The series of events concluded with a service, display and march past. Organisations in the North West were particularly proactive with events being organised by communities in Manchester, Bolton, Isle of Man and Whitehaven.

 

In the North East the ex-services associations with support from Hull City Council and the MoD organised a huge community based event, attended by around 15,000 visitors. Veterans and their families came from all over the North East to visit the two-day spectacular. Leeds, Newcastle, Gateshead & Beverley also hosted events in the North East.

 

Torbay Council, supported by the MoD, hosted the South West’s biggest event in Paignton Green where over 80 veterans received their Armed Forces Veterans Badge. A warm sunny day ensured thousands witnessed the occasion, which concluded with a parade, march past and salute. Events in Taunton, Yeovil, Weymouth and Exeter were just some of many organised in the South West.

 

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