Honouring our armed forces

Cadets across the UK celebrated National Armed Forces Day on 24 June as we thanked the veterans who have done so much for our country, and the active personnel who continue to give such magnificent service around the world. 

Around 200 immaculately turned out cadets and volunteers took part in the national event in Falmouth. The South West Area Massed Band even had the honour of leading the parade of 1,200 veterans, reserves and serving personnel through the town, taking the salute from HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. 

TS Jack Petchey was moored in the harbour, giving visitors a taste of what Sea Cadets can offer young people and showing our cadets to be fine ambassadors for the charity. Cadets also enjoyed tours of the Royal Navy’s Type 23 Frigate, HMS Richmond, as well as some spectacular flypasts from the Red Arrows and the Navy’s Merlin and Wildcat helicopters.

Best of all, cadets got the chance to meet members and veterans of the Royal Navy and other services, who shared their experiences and passed on invaluable advice. These included Captain Sea Cadets himself, Captain Neil Downing RN, who said: “Our armed forces have been the backbone of our country for centuries and act as role models for our cadets. We hope they feel appreciated and valued as we pay tribute to them today.”

This spirit of camaraderie was in evidence across the country, as many units forged closer links with their local armed forces communities, and raised Sea Cadets’ profile with potential new cadets, volunteers and supporters. 

Boston Unit raised £400 from spending the day talking to shoppers outside a busy supermarket, while Edinburgh Trinity Unit’s junior cadets Aloaye and Kristzian helped to spread the word with an interview to STV News. Redcar Unit’s perfect display saw them win the town’s tri-force cadet drill competition, and Littlehampton Unit led parades in both their home town and Bognor Regis. 

Photos: Sea Cadets