Defence Secretary pays tribute to personnel who keep the UK safe on Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is a chance to pay tribute to those who stepped forward to serve, the Defence Secretary has told BFBS Forces News at an event in Aldershot.
Dan Jarvis, who recently replaced John Healey in the role, also said it was "inspiring and uplifting" to return to his former military colleagues.
Mr Jarvis attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later became a major in The Parachute Regiment during his military service, amongst other things.
Very special day
Speaking to BFBS Forces News, Mr Jarvis said: "It's a very special day. I mean, we are stood on a field that paratroopers used to parachute on from the balloon. So, I have the most happy [sic] memories of being here at the home of the British Army."
He said that he was "proud" of serving personnel who are willing to put themselves at risk to protect the country.
Thousands of visitors attended the event, which included flypasts, featuring an RAF A400M Atlas and a Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, parachute displays, military demonstrations, and a tri-service military parade.
Personnel, veterans, and cadets were involved in the tri-service parade, led by military bands from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force, alongside The Parachute Regiment's mascot, Pegasus the pony.
Meanwhile, the three military parachute display teams – the British Army Red Devils, Royal Air Force Falcons, and the Royal Navy Raiders – dropped into the main arena.
"I do feel a weight of responsibility, of course, to do right by them," he added. "We've got complex operational deployments right around the world, and I need to make sure that I deliver for them the right resources, the right capabilities.
"That is a big weight of responsibility. It's one that I take very seriously, but it's also one that I'm determined to be successful in."
Southport to host Armed Forces Day next year
Mr Jarvis confirmed to BFBS Forces News that the national Armed Forces Day event will take place in Southport next year, saying that it is the "right choice".
"It's a really great turnout. It's wonderful to see thousands of people here. I know there are 230 events taking place right around the country, and that's hugely appreciated," Mr Jarvis said.
Armed Forces Day is scheduled for the last Saturday of June each year, falling on 27 June this year.
It is an occasion for the general public to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.
Aldershot was selected in the 1850s to be the location for Britain's first permanent training camp, meaning the garrison has been at the centre of British Army planning, training and national defence for more than 170 years.
Additional reporting by Tim Cooper.
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