Armed Forces Day In Inverness On Saturday
Helping to celebrate and honour the outstanding contribution Armed Forces personnel have made to their country, Inverness’ Armed Forces Day will take place on Saturday 25 July 2009.
Marking the last Armed Forces Day event to be held in Scotland this year, around 1,500 Armed Forces personnel will ‘step off’ from Falcon Square in Inverness at 2.00pm and march to Ardross Terrace to take the salute from the Provost, Jimmy Gray and Angus Taverner, Deputy Commander of 51 (Scottish) Brigade. They will then proceed to the Northern Meeting Park for 2.30pm.
Leading the procession will be the Inverness Royal British Legion (Scotland) Pipe Band accompanied by Nairn Pipe Band, The Association Pipe Band, the Cadet Pipe Band, Oban Pipe Band and the Pipes and Drums of 7 SCOTS. Serving soldiers from 3 SCOTS, the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (The Black Watch) and the 7th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Territorial Army Infantry Battalion, will march with hundreds on veterans as well as representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marine Reserves and RAF Mountain Rescue.
Provost Jimmy Gray said: “This is a unique opportunity for the people of Inverness and visitors alike to come together to show our appreciation to the men and women of our armed forces past and present. The rousing sound and colourful procession as the bands march through the city will certainly be a very moving spectacle not to be missed.”
Brigadier David Allfrey, Commander 51 (Scottish) Brigade, who is driving the Armed Forces effort in Scotland, explained: “It's stunning to see how councils and communities the length and breadth of Scotland have fallen in behind the Armed Forces and are working tremendously hard to ensure they get a celebration they deserve. It means a great deal to us. This is the first year we've joined up with the veterans to celebrate Armed Forces Day and I am sure it will grow bigger each year.”
The Brigadier continued: “Armed Forces Day should be seen as distinct from Armistice Day on 11 November each year which is a day of reflection and remembrance of those who have fallen. Armed Forces Day on the other hand should be a day of fun, pride and spectacle. Of course, we will also take time to think of those serving on operations abroad, and those who have been injured or have made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duty.
“We will see sailors, soldiers, airmen and their families mixing with Cadets from the three Services, our veterans and supporters - all having a great day in Aberdeen. I hope that members of the public who do not normally make contact with the Services, take the opportunity to get to know us a bit better. It is fine and honourable to be a Scottish Serviceman.”
For further information, please visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk