The Armed Forces Day flag is flying high above 10 Downing Street as celebrations build up to the fifth annual Armed Forces Day, taking place on Saturday 29 June
In advance of the national event, this year hosted by the City of Nottingham, flags are being raised at hundreds of locations across the UK on Monday 24 June. Government departments, Local Authorities and businesses will fly the flag in addition to Downing Street, to show support for the men and women of our Armed Forces past and present.
In London, the flag will be flying on various famous landmarks, including the City of London Guildhall, the Mayor of London’s Office, Tower Bridge, the BT Tower and The Bank of England. Further around the country, communities large and small will raise the flag to show support, including Glasgow, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool and Newcastle.
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards said: "Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the nation to show its backing for the Armed Forces. We are very grateful for all the support you give us. It makes a difference to every soldier, sailor and airman to know that you value them.
"’Flying the Flag’ is a symbol for all to see that the public care for our Servicemen and women, past and present, who continue to rise to the very difficult challenge of defending this country and its interests."
The City of Nottingham, home to this year’s national event, will be flying the Armed Forces Day flag above the city sky line at a ceremony held at local landmark Wollaton Hall. The flag will be delivered by four Servicemen who will parachute into the park in front of the Hall, before the flag is then raised by Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Merlita Bryan.
Now in its fifth year, Armed Forces Day is attracting a host of supporters from businesses such as Transport for London’s Crossrail and National Express, to celebrities and sports personalities including Barbara Windsor, Ricky Hatton and Chris Evans.
This year the public are being encouraged to share photos of the Armed Forces Day flag if they see it out and about in their community. Images should be uploaded to theArmed Forces Day Facebook page or shared with the@ArmedForces_Day Twitter account with the hashtag #ArmedForcesDay and a personal message of support.