Veterans Day (UK)
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| Veterans Day (UK) |
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| Veterans Day Logo |
The UK’s annual Veterans Day is held on the 27th June every year. It started in 2006. It is both a celebration of the contribution made by all those who have served in the UK Armed Forces as well as those in the UK Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who have served in support of operations – and a means of raising public awareness of Veterans issues. The enduring vision for Veterans Day(27 June) is that it:
-
Becomes accepted by the UK public as a day on which to celebrate and
recognise the diversity of Veterans and their contribution to the nation, and
publicise the range of support available to those who need it. -
Is characterised by an extensive range of events organised at local and
regional levels, as well as nationally, involving the widest possible crosssection
of the community. -
Leaves Veterans feeling that they enjoy the respect and commitment of
government and the nation at large.
Veterans Day Key Messages
- Veterans are special because of their service and because of the
contribution
that many continue to make through the transferable skills they have acquired. - The Veterans Community is highly diverse; all exService people are
Veterans
whatever their age or Service experience. - A wide range of support and advice is available to Veterans, from
government,
exService organisations, charities and the voluntary sector.
Chancellor Gordon Brown, announced on the 13 February 2006 the plans for the annual event. He said the aim was to ensure the contribution of veterans was "never forgotten". "The National Veterans Day in June is designed to thank today's generation of ex-servicemen and women for their service to our country."
27 June was chosen as it comes the day after the anniversary of the first investiture of the Victoria Cross, which happened in Hyde Park, London, in 1857. However, the day will not become a national holiday.
National Veterans Day follows the US model of commemorative annual
events. Veterans in the US have had an official holiday since 1954,
when Armistice Day on 11 November was changed to Veterans Day by an
Act of Congress.
References
External Links
Veterans Day official website www.veterans-uk.info/veteransday/index.htm