Celebrations will take place across Staffordshire this weekend to mark Armed Forces Day.
The event – celebrated on the last Saturday of each June – is a way of showing support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
Leading the nation’s commemorations is the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, between Burton upon Trent and Lichfield, which is hosting an extensive range of free family-friendly activities on Saturday (28 June) and Sunday (29 June).
These include climbing walls, archery, a free-drop airbag, an assault course, soft play and arts and crafts.
There will be live music and spoken word from Talent in the Ranks – the Arboretum’s creative development programme for aspiring singers, songwriters and poets from within the Armed Forces community – as well as energetic performances from costumed performers.
Food and gift stalls featuring products from local makers and small businesses will also be in attendance.
At 12pm on Saturday, a cohort of Ride to the Wall (RTTW) motorcyclists will ride into the Arboretum ahead of a ceremony where a cheque for the proceeds from the RTTW 2024 event will be presented.
Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum and the Armed Forces Weekend event is free of charge but booking in advance via the Arboretum website is recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking (£5 in advance, £8 on the day).
Meanwhile, Stoke-on-Trent will honour its military personnel at a free event at Queen’s Park, in Longton, from 12pm until 4.30pm on Sunday.
There will be a Dakota flypast from the RAF between 1.20pm and 1.40pm before a full military parade at 2pm.
Other attractions on the day include a traditional Drumhead Service, military vehicle displays, emergency services exhibits, live music, funfair rides and various stalls.
Councillor Lilian Dodd, Chair of the North Staffs Armed Forces Celebration Committee, said: “We’re incredibly proud to bring the Armed Forces Celebration Day back to Queen’s Park for another year.
“The inclusion of the Dakota Flypast in this centenary year makes it especially meaningful. It’s a chance for our community to come together, show our appreciation and create lasting memories for all generations.”
In addition to the general market in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre on Saturday, there will be stalls staffed by current and former personnel and a small display of light armed forces vehicles.
And members of the Armed Forces (current and retired) will be given free admission to Tamworth Castle on Saturday, while their families can enter for half price.
There will be stalls in the castle grounds from 12pm until 4pm.
And at The Phoenix pub on George Street, Tamworth, there will be a singer performing songs from yesteryear from 6pm on Saturday.
The Armed Forces Day flag will be flown at places including Shire Hall in Stafford and Queens Gardens in Newcastle to show support.
And for those who can’t make events or who want to show some extra support, Staffordshire County Council is encouraging people to join the #saluteourforces campaign by uploading photos of themselves saluting.
Former soldier and Vice-Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Gordon Munro, served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps for nine years.
Gordon said: “After serving in the Army during the Falklands Conflict, I’ve come to appreciate Armed Forces Day not just as a date in the calendar, but as a proper moment of recognition.
“It’s essential that we, as a society, remember and celebrate those that put their country before themselves and ensure that their service is never forgotten.
“Whether people have served in the frontlines, supported from home, or been the family holding the fort, we all know that military life demands a lot. Be proud, be thankful and have a great Armed Forces Day.”
