Supporting the Campaigns, Events & Appeals of the UK’s X Forces
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The National Ex Services Association first tabled the idea for a Veteran’s Week in the 1990’s but it was met with little response. The idea was that each city, town and village could honour veteran’s and serving men locally. In 2003/4 the Government agreed to a Veteran’s Day centred in a chosen place annually. Among complaints that this may turn into a commercial venture for the businesses of towns chosen, leading to bids similar to that of the Olympic Games etc, Veteran’s Day became Armed Forces Day and is now organised throughout the country as well as the main chosen locality. This gives those unable to travel far and local communities the chance to respect those who have fought, fight or are willing to fight for their country.
The pictures below are from Manchester 2009 where events throughout the day included Military bands, a Police band, an Army climbing wall, a football shootout, military fitness sessions, vehicle, armament and equipment displays, and a chance to meet serving and ex serving members of the forces.
Everybody seemed to have a good time and as well as discounts in city centre stores, bars and cafes, FREE Metrolink and Bus passes were available for the day for members of the Armed Forces and Veterans. NESA even managed to pass a copy of our Newsletter to the Mayor of Manchester.
However at 1550hrs when it was pointed out to two local soldiers that their field gun was quite correctly pointed toward the City of Manchester Stadium they seemed to disassemble it very quickly - We don’t know whose side they were on.
The pictures below are from Manchester 2009 where events throughout the day included Military bands, a Police band, an Army climbing wall, a football shootout, military fitness sessions, vehicle, armament and equipment displays, and a chance to meet serving and ex serving members of the forces.
Everybody seemed to have a good time and as well as discounts in city centre stores, bars and cafes, FREE Metrolink and Bus passes were available for the day for members of the Armed Forces and Veterans. NESA even managed to pass a copy of our Newsletter to the Mayor of Manchester.
However at 1550hrs when it was pointed out to two local soldiers that their field gun was quite correctly pointed toward the City of Manchester Stadium they seemed to disassemble it very quickly - We don’t know whose side they were on.
For all the news on events relating to Armed Forces Day or if you want to learn more about organising an event for Armed Forces Day or contact an Armed Forces Day event organiser click on the picture above.
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