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Armed Forces Week 2020

Monday marked the start of Armed Forces Week, a series of events, videos and articles celebrating the range of activities and people comprising Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. Beginning with an opening welcome by Her Majesty the Queen, the week explored the work of our people at home and around the World and closed with Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

Monday looked at Global Armed Forces and the worldwide reach of the RAF, carrying out missions on behalf of our NATO allies, working and exercising with international partners, and delivering humanitarian aid across the Globe.

Tuesday covered innovation, including how we are meeting our environmental obligations as we work to make every aspect of our activities greener and also how we have swiftly responded to the challenge of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Wednesday was Reserves Day and while many of us are now working from home, RAF Reservists are invited to wear their uniform at home or ‘work’. We look forward to sharing selfies from the home office or while video conferencing with colleagues! If you are participating then remember to tag us in your social posts and use the hashtag #SaluteOurForces.

There was also a 30-minute update on Reserves Day, 24th June 2020, from 11:30am to 12:00pm on Zoom. As well as a thank you to all the supportive employers, this is an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive a real time update from the Royal Navy Reserve. The meeting will be open to all members of the Maritime Reserves and Employers. View the Reserves Day update for employers with the Commander of the Maritime Reserves.

Thursday was dedicated to Veterans and we shared content dedicated to ex-serving personnel who remain an important part of the wider Service family. Likewise, Friday focused on the Cadets, many of whom will form the next generation RAF.

The week’s finale was Armed Forces Day itself. In response to the pandemic many elements of the day that were to have been hosted in Scarborough will now take place as a virtual event that will shine a spotlight on local and national military veterans, and serving personnel, honouring their unstinting commitment, service and sacrifice. Visitors to the Scarborough Armed Forces Day website will be able to view military related videos and personal stories, enjoy images and personal recollections from previous Armed Forces Day events, and take part in themed children’s activities and competitions.

Saturday - Armed Forces Day

As a salute to the Armed Forces community, the Red Arrows performed a spectacular fly past over the skies of North Yorkshire.

RAF-RED-ARROWS

The distinctive Hawk fast jets flew over the British Army's Catterick Garrison, RAF Leeming and the coastal town of Scarborough. Scarborough were due to host this year’s Armed Forces Day National Event which was unfortunately cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ahead of the fly past, a small number of representatives from all three services attended a short flag-raising service at Scarborough Castle alongside senior leaders from Scarborough Borough Council.

Armed Forces Day 2020 is being celebrated virtually this year by service personnel and communities across the UK due to the cancellation of events. The day is a chance for the nation to show their support for the work our Armed Forces do securing our seas, policing our skies and supporting the country at a time of crisis.