Cherilyn Mackrory MP for Truro and Falmouth paid tribute to our armed forces this weekend at National Armed Forces Day.
The annual celebration seeks to honour the service of our armed personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force past and present as well as their families.
In recent years the armed forces have proven their essential role in UK society, manning covid test sites, providing support to struggling communities, and of course helping to thwart Russian aggression against Ukraine and elsewhere.
Cherilyn said:
Falmouth put its best foot forward and showed the world how well we do it here in Cornwall. Cornwall has always had a special relationship with our armed forces. I am proud that Falmouth was chosen to host this historic Armed Forces Day. For centuries this town has been the home to so many of our servicemen and women. They represent the best of our community, and this was our chance to tell them thank you.
From cadets to veterans, and those involved in their air display and all the national armed forces personnel, I want to thank everyone for their efforts in making National Armed Forces Day a success. It was easily the best we have ever experienced!
More than 100,000 people came to Falmouth for National Armed Forces Day. In the hot sunshine they experienced a packed schedule of events and displays. Among a parade of veterans, reservists, cadets, and active servicemen from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who showcased their pride and unity for the town. The salute was taken by HRH the Duke of Gloucester who represented His Majesty the King. The parade concluded with a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics by the Red Arrows display team.
Other notable events included an evening concert held in Pendennis Castle, and the opportunity for the public to explore HMS Richmond which was moored in Falmouth Harbour.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
From Estonia to the Indo-Pacific, as well as here at home, our Armed Forces personnel protect and defend our freedom every day of every year.
Much of that service we do not see and often take for granted, but this year we have been privileged to watch thousands of our military on parade for the Coronation, in what was a showcase of our forces’ phenomenal precision and professionalism.
So I know I speak for the entire country on this Armed Forces Day, when I say thank you to every soldier, sailor and aviator, and their families, who form part of our brilliant Armed Forces.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
Armed Forces Day recognises the commitment and resilience demonstrated by our entire Armed Forces community every day of the year.
I hope the entire nation will join me today in paying tribute to this community and recognise all those who make so many sacrifices to uphold the freedoms and rights of the British people.
Alongside the events on Saturday, the event was marked with flags raised in Westminster and on Gylly Beach in Falmouth where a pair of F35 jet fighters performed a flypast salute. The flag, which represents public support for our armed forces and for the work they do for all of us, was used in a relay through Cornwall and was presented to Mayor Carol Swain at the Truro Army Reserve Centre.
Cherilyn attended the Armed Forces Community Conference in Penryn university campus. The aim of the Conference was to provide a national and local perspective, demonstrating how a wide variety of organisations are already supporting the Armed Forces Community and exploring how we can work together to further improve and extend the support available.
Among the other notable events held as part of National Armed Forces Day, Cherilyn took part in the Inter-School Armed Forces Day Robotics Challenge. The goal of this event was to encourage young girls and boys to explore what STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) can offer them for a future career.
Cherilyn was honoured to be invited on board HMS Richmond for the Reception and Capability Demonstration the evening before National Armed Forces Day. HMS Richmond was built as a submarine hunter at the close of the Cold War. Today she is one of twelve type-23 frigates which are at the core of our front-line fleet.
Also in attendance, representatives of South West Water and the University of Falmouth took the opportunity to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. This commitment represents the message which National Armed Forces Day is intended to convey, providing direct and impactful support for our veterans and their families in local communities and across the UK.