Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June, falling next year on 27 June.

On Monday 22 June at 10am, the Mayor of Chelmsford will lead a ceremony at Chelmsford’s war memorial to mark Armed Forces Day. The flag-raising event honours Britain’s Armed Forces of the past, present, and future – from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans, and cadets.

Armed Forces Day traditionally takes place on the last Saturday in June and the flag will fly over the Civic Centre until Monday 29 June. The city council joins a host of other local authorities raising Armed Forces Day flags across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.

It is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.

There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved. Use the interactive map to find your local event.

Supporting our Armed Forces

Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much-valued morale boost for serving personnel, veterans and their families. You can find out more about what they are doing at home and around the world by visiting the official sites of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Supporting our sailors, soldiers and aviators goes beyond Armed Forces Day. In fact, the Government, local communities and businesses  across the UK have committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel past and present by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Find out more about the Covenant here.

The Armed Forces Community

The Armed Forces

The UK Armed Forces defend the UK and its interests. They are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers, providing security and fighting terrorism.

Veterans

A veteran is anyone who has served in the HM Armed Forces at any time (including National Servicemen, Regulars and Reserves). Armed Forces Day celebrates their continued role within the military community.

You can find out more information about support for Veterans on the Veterans-UK website or by calling Veterans UK on 0808 1914 218.

Reservists

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve.

Cadets

The  Cadet Forces (Sea Cadets, Volunteer Cadet Corps, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and the Combined Cadet Force) currently number over 135,000 cadets and 25,000 adult volunteers in more than 3,000 locations across the UK. The Cadet Forces provide the opportunity for young people to develop key life and career-building skills, and gain valuable vocational qualifications.

Families

Our Armed Forces couldn’t do their job without the incredible support of their family and friends.

Charities

Although Armed Forces Day is not a charitable event, the Armed Forces have the support of several UK charities and many local events will offer opportunities to support them. To find out more about Armed Forces charities please see here.

With permissions Chelmsford City Life