Guildford has been chosen to host the prestigious national Armed Forces Day event next year on Saturday 27 June 2015 due to its strong historic and present day military links. Armed Forces Day is an annual campaign celebrating the outstanding contribution to the life of the country from our Servicemen and women, past and present. Earlier in the year, Guildford celebrated the sixth Armed Forces Day with a flag raising event at the Guildhall and a freedom parade on the High Street.
Cllr Stephen Mansbridge, Leader of the Council, commented, “We are tremendously proud to announce that Guildford has been chosen to host the Armed Forces Day flagship event for the UK next year. Armed Forces Day is an extremely significant and high profile celebration and Guildford is a most fitting location.”
Upon awarding the national event to Guildford, Lord Astor, the Defence Minister said, “I am delighted that Guildford will host Armed Forces Day 2015. The county town of Surrey is an ideal location given the many historic links to the Army, stretching back hundreds of years. The people of Guildford have always given heartfelt support to our Servicemen and women, past and present, and I know that they will do so again in June next year, leading the celebrations taking place across the UK.”
The idea behind Armed Forces Day is implicit in the Armed Forces Covenant, which sets out the relationship between the nation, the state and the Armed Forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families and it establishes how they should expect to be treated. Guildford demonstrated its enduring commitment to the Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant in April 2013.
The first Armed Forces Day national event was held at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham in 2009 and Guildford will host the seventh event. Subsequent national celebrations were held chronologically in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Nottingham with this year’s event, in Stirling, attended by HRH The Princess Royal, the Prime Minister and over 35,000 people.
Guildford’s hosting of the flagship event will mark the culmination of a week of celebration across the UK. Cities, towns and villages are invited to raise the Armed Forces Day flag to show their support and appreciation for the contribution made by Servicemen and women and the sacrifices they make.
The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr David Elms, who will lead the team of organisers, said “Guildford will be the focus for the whole country and this wonderful celebration will allow local people and the wider community to thank all those working within our Armed Forces. We expect to welcome tens of thousands of residents and visitors. I hope that everyone enjoys their time with us on this special day.”
The Council is planning an exciting line-up of events with plans including a special service at Guildford Cathedral and a formal parade on Guildford’s High Street. There will also be a spectacular military show at Stoke Park followed by ‘picnic and proms in the park’, finishing with an impressive air display above Guildford to complete a memorable day.
Lead Councillor for Environment, Cllr Matt Furniss commented, “Armed Forces Day will be the highlight of 2015 and give all of us a fantastic opportunity to express our thanks to veterans, cadets and serving military personnel for the remarkable work they do. Hosting in 2015 is particularly significant as it is the first Armed Forces Day that coincides with the centenary commemorations of the First World War. The centenary will prompt many residents to reflect on the events of the Great War and the experiences of men and women here and overseas.”
Cllr Stephen Mansbridge concluded by saying, “We worked exceptionally hard to win this bid to demonstrate the profile of Guildford as the county town of Surrey, and Surrey as an important military county. We are working with our partners to stage a first class programme for the day, worthy of leading the nation in honouring our Armed Forces.”
“We must not forget the price that is paid by military Service people. In a world which remains fragile and with regions in great turmoil, this day recognises the vital importance of our Servicemen and women, whether Regular or Reservist, in playing their part in global security.”