Armed Forces: Inspired by bravery and sacrifices

The bravery and sacrifices of servicemen and women in Afghanistan and Iraq was largely responsible for inspiring the creation of Armed Forces Day three years ago.

The way people spontaneously lined the streets of Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire to pay tribute to the returning war dead seemed to sum up a growing appreciation across the country of what the military does.

The national day, which incorporated the former Veterans' Day, was designed as an all-encompassing celebration of current and former military personnel.

The weekend of June 26 was chosen as it marked the day that Queen Victoria awarded the Victoria Cross to soldiers who had exhibited courage and valour during the Crimean War at a ceremony in London's Hyde Park in 1857.

The event was first held at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, in 2009, where 30,000 supporters turned out for the day, and has steadily grown since. Last year, Cardiff attracted more than 50,000 residents and visitors, and Edinburgh itself held a smaller but well-attended event. This weekend will be the biggest Armed Forces Day yet when an estimated 100,000 visitors flock to the Capital for parades, fighter jet fly-bys and Red Arrows displays.

Aside from the events in the Capital, celebrations will be held across the UK, and began early in Stirling last week, when thousands of residents welcomed the return of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, from Afghanistan.