Armed Forces Day - Manchester

Armed Forces Day Manchester - 26th June 2010

War veterans led from the front as hundreds lined the town hall square in glorious sunshine to mark the second annual Armed Forces Day.

The head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, led civic dignitaries into Albert Square to inspect marching veterans and cadets.
He spent 30 minutes speaking to the gathered parade and standard bearers alongside Peter Luff MP, the new government's minister for defence equipment, support and technology, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Coun Mark Hackett.

Large crowds, young and old, gathered to clap and cheer as the parade made its way into the square. Children waving flags perched on their parent's shoulders to watch.
Armed Forces Day aims to pay tribute to serving servicemen and women and remember those who have lost their lives in conflict.

Veterans associations and cadets from the Royal Navy and the RAF paraded into the square to huge applause.
Claps and cheers greeted the Band of the Life Guards and the Greater Manchester Police Band.

Erica James, 36, from New Moston, Manchester, took along her daughter Katie, six. She said: "Katie loved the bands and these are exactly the sort of thing that people should come out for and celebrate. The veterans were brilliant and a real example to today's young soldiers."

Veterans also spoke of the day's importance. Eric Davies, 83, from Chorlton, Manchester, served in Hong Kong with 45 Commando, the Royal Marines.

Eric, a member of the Salford and Manchester branch of the Royal Marine Association, said: "It has been a great day. Like most things, it is not supported as well as I would expect but it is a new idea and hopefully the day will take off.

Tribute

"It is vitally important to remember and pay tribute to all our services personnel, past and present. It is a wonderful event for both young and old." Tom Norfolk, 87, from Urmston, Manchester, served with the SAS in Africa, Sicily and Algiers.

Tom, who enlisted at the age of 18, said: "The day is important to point out how life was in those days and to pay respect to our elders. "It is important to thank and pay tribute to the many hundreds of active personnel serving at home and abroad today."

Elsewhere, military workouts were held at Piccadilly Gardens.