UK Navy Leads Parade to Mark Armed Forces Day

June 25, 2014

The Royal UK Navy led a military parade through Portsmouth 24 June to mark Armed Forces Day.

Forty-eight sailors from HMS Collingwood at Fareham, plus veterans and cadets – led by the Royal Marines Band, Portsmouth – marched from St John’s Cathedral in Edinburgh Road to Guildhall Square.

Hundreds of spectators lined the route and assembled in the square to see Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, take the salute and inspect the troops.

Portsmouth Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jeremy Rigby and Lord Mayor Councillor Steven Wylie inspected the veterans on parade.

The event culminated in the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag by service personnel, which will fly for one week.

Commander Andy Green, the parade commander, said: “It was pleasing to see so many members of the public turning out to show their support and celebrating the armed forces past and present.

“Forces personnel and engaged in operational theatres worldwide, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. The support shown to them today and their families is really important.”

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Press Release, June 25, 2014; Image: UK Navy