Armed Forces Day

[CoffmanStarter]

I would like to wish all deployed UK Armed Forces a happy and safe Armed Forces Day ...

http://www.theflagshop.co.uk/ekmps/shops/speed/images/armed-forces-day-flag-3244-p.gif

I'm sure there are many who will echo ...

Coff.

[Wander00]

Well said, Coff. Been thinking of them from here in France. Thanks to all still serving. Stay safe.

W

[gr4techie]

I'm interested to know how many people who have no connection to the armed forces even knew it was armed forces day?

From my experience, support for the armed forces is only within a few miles of a unit. Go further afield to civvy street in a big city and I don't see or hear any support. It's a different world.

[BEagle]

I'm interested to know how many people who have no connection to the armed forces even knew it was armed forces day?

I don't support an 'Armed Forces Day'........













........instead I believe the great unwashed should recognise 365 'Armed Forces Days' per annum - and an extra one in every leap year.

[gr4techie]

Going back home on leave, theres so little mention or support, it's like the armed forces don't even exist.

[CoffmanStarter]

One day at a time BEagle ... One day at a time :ok:

[TomJoad]

I think it's a fantastic idea and long may it continue. To all HM Forces personnel at home and abroad, old and new - cheers:ok:

Going back home on leave, theres so little mention or support, it's like the armed forces don't even exist.

Fair bit going on in here gr4techie, I'm sure must be similar across the UK

BBC News - Armed Forces Day marked in Scotland (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-23108148)

[Danny42C]

"God and the soldier we adore
In times of trouble - not before" (Kipling ?)

D.

[Genstabler]

Come on guys! We old buggers didn't take the Queen's shilling for the pension or to be loved. To get either is a bonus.

[TomJoad]

Come on guys! We old buggers didn't take the Queen's shilling for the pension or to be loved. To get either is a bonus.

Fair point Genstabler but two things come to mind:

1. With a dwindling presence it is ever more important to raise and maintain the profile of the Armed Forces. It won't be long before the likes of the ATC organisation follows suit and then we will need every opportunity to inspire the future generation.

2. If the Armed Forces are out of public conciousness then the politicians get to play fast and loose. I doubt that Westminster's new found interest in the "military covenant" would not have been so had it not been for public interest in the fallen and wounded returning from Afghanistan.


Don't get me wrong, I do agree with your sentiments but as our forces shrink I think we need to shout all the louder to maintain the profile.

[CoffmanStarter]

Well said TJ :D:D:D:D

[Wander00]

TJ/CS - You are not wrong!

[Genstabler]

Yep. You're right of course TJ.
I feel humble, and a little ashamed, when I look at the intensity of conflict that has become the norm for so many of our young lads and lasses these days on the ground in Afghanistan, compared to the relatively cushy time many of my contempories had in the Cold War. Proud too.

[Shack37]

Whilst concurring with all of the above comments, I don't believe the general civilian population in the UK has ever been demonstrably sympathetic of the Armed Forces since the Korean War.
The so called Small Wars, Indon Confrontation, Aden etc were not recognised as such although a price was paid. Only family and friends were really aware that there were casualties.
Since the demise of National Service a much diminished number of families therefore much fewer civilians have any direct relationship with serving members thus reducing population empathy with them.

Best wishes and stay safe lads and lasses.

[alisoncc]

We old buggers didn't take the Queen's shilling

Does it still count if you have long since spent it?

[Tankertrashnav]

Yesterday I drove from Worcester across to Stratford, then down through the Cotswolds to Cirencester then across to pick up the M5 near Stroud.

It is an area I have hardly visited since I was at Gaydon in 1969. All along the route I saw signs to places I recognised from those days - Pershore, Gaydon, Little Rissington, Kemble, South Cerney, all former RAF stations open in 1969 - all closed (or effectively closed) now. You could repeat this experience in many other parts of the country, where once you were always within easy reach of a service establishment, most are long since closed.

The fact is apart from featuring on the news from Afghanistan, in most parts of the country our much reduced armed forces are all but invisible to the general public. Armed Forces day is a great idea, and I'm all for making the focus of events somewhere other than London for a change, as the biggest event was in Nottingham.

[NutLoose]

Nottingham was heaving as I popped in to look at a new TV, they had the weather for it though....

Shame it's on a weekend as it ties the guys up on their day off :ok:

[Finnpog]

It was pleasant steaming into Pompey harbour yesterday afternoon and seeing that the grey war canoes had all been dressed.

:ok:

[downsizer]

I'd rather have the saturday off than parading for the public IMHO.

[fireflybob]

I spent all day at the Armed Forces Day event in Nottingham.

As one who has never been enlisted in the military I thought it was an excellent showcase for the armed forces and I left having a much bigger appreciation for what they do.

As I walked round the marquee where all the various charities were represented I was eternally thankful for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice (not to mention those injured in any way) in fighting for our freedom.

I was also impressed by the professionalism and cheerfulness of all those involved.

[smujsmith]

IMHO,

One of the decent things recent governments have done. In the 30 years I served, we never had such days. I served at a time when we were being told to " travel to work in civvies". Because the IRA might get you. I remember as a Ground Engineer on the Herk, being able to travel from airfield to hotel in uniform, all around the world, except in the UK. It had the effect of giving most serving personnel at the time, the feeling that somehow our government was ashamed of us. I really think that seeing service personnel on our streets is synonymous with the value we put on our country. Anyone who has problems with our serving personnel, do not deserve the title of British Citizen. in the meantime;

One big Military Family.

When one becomes connected
To the military family
It does not matter which part one is in
You’ll always be proud of all three

Masters of the seas … The Royal Navy
Might be the oldest of the three
But they’ll still send enemies packing
To keep our waters free

Masters of the skies … The Royal Air Force
Put on breath taking show
When taking out a target
Before they even know

Masters of the land … The British Army
Our Brothers in Arms of course
Britain’s got no worries
Thanks to this truly awesome force

Operational tours can be very hard to face
With loved ones posted away
Facing so much danger
Putting their lives on the line every day

But our armed forces have another role
Through the hearts and minds they share
Building whole new lives for less privileged folk
Showing them that they care

When posted at home bases
They’re still away from home
But at least there’s much less danger
And they don’t feel so alone

Then there are the ceremonies
Each service playing their part
Regalia, pomp and circumstance
All delivered from the heart

Military shows
Truly spectacular displays
Showing the world what our armed forces do best
Whilst spectators watch on so amazed

There may be three separate forces
Each one serving a role
But they’re one big military family
Serving Britain – their ultimate goal!

THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU – THANK YOU

© Michaela Turner (aka Kale) proud mum of a serving soldier

Bless you ma'am, and thanks.

Smudge

[muttywhitedog]

As far as I can establish, there was nothing free put on by the city of Nottingham, or its many businesses, for the forces. Yet they raked in hundreds of thousands of pounds. The only "freebie" I came across anywhere was crown carveries.

Armed Forces Day - Where the public get to show their appreciation and the forces get to work another weekend.

[smujsmith]

Muttywhitedog,

I'm not sure of your service experience but in my 30 years, from apprentice to Chf Tech. I learned two simple things. Firstly, you are paid 24 hours a day. Secondly, the weekend is whenever you get a couple of days off in succession, even if it is a Tuesday/Wednesday. Firemens strike in the late 70's was 6 weeks on duty, 2 days at home. I'm not convinced that your idea of a "weekend" would relate to many servicemens lifestyles or duty rota's.

Smudge

[gr4techie]

Muttywhitedog,

I'm not sure of your service experience but in my 30 years, from apprentice to Chf Tech. I learned two simple things. Firstly, you are paid 24 hours a day.

Does that mean we get paid less than minimum wage?

[Tankertrashnav]

Firstly, you are paid 24 hours a day.

Mind you, those of us who served in the 70s and earlier were luckier. At least we had 2 minutes a day off, as it was always said you could do what you wanted from 2359 to 0001!

As soon as 2400 was introduced (never actually understood that 2359 thing) even that free two minutes disappeared.

[Jumping_Jack]

the weekend is whenever you get a couple of days off in succession, even if it is a Tuesday/Wednesday

Except that you work the Saturday/Sunday and don't get the Tuesday/Wednesday. Maybe if Armed Forces Day was billed as 'Your chance to give up your weekend to allow the civies to enjoy themselves at your expense' then expectation wouldn't be so high.....remember this is for YOUR benefit! :hmm: