Armed Forces Day Sees Parades And Fly-Pasts

Events are taking place across the country to mark the fifth annual Armed Forces Day.

In the host city of Nottingham, a volley of gunshots known as a "feu du joie" began a day of celebrations, which included a tri-service parade with more than 600 Armed Services personnel, veterans and cadets from the city's castle to Old Market Square, watched by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon jets and aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performed a fly-past for the crowds, while the Royal Navy and Royal Marines put on a display on the River Trent.

Thousands of well-wishers and veterans lined the streets to watch, waving flags and cheering as they enjoyed the parade and the flypast.

A Drumhead Service, usually conducted in the field during armed conflicts, was held in the square - allowing those gathered to reflect on the Armed Forces past and present.

Among those taking part in the parade today was Lt Sam Vause, from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, who spent four months in Afghanistan this year training other soldiers.

Lt Vause, 25, from Derby, said: "It's been a magnificent day and a great honour to take part in the Armed Forces day national event in the Mercian's home county.

"It was a truly humbling experience to see the people of Nottingham come out and show their support for the Armed Forces on such a large scale."

Speaking ahead of today's events, Prime Minister David Cameron, said: "Armed Forces Day is about reminding the British people that every day there are extraordinary men and women all over the world, and indeed right here at home, who risk their lives for our safety and security."

Meanwhile, more than 300 events were held in towns across the UK.

Meanwhile, more than 300 events were held in towns across the UK to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Events were also held in Puerto Pollensa, Spain, and Ornasions, France.

Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter Wall attended the Armed Forces Day event at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich today.

And the BT tower in London was also lit up, displaying the message 'Armed Forces Day Show Your Support'.

The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team also took part, while stalls showcased the military through the ages and a number of bands, including the Military Wives, performed on a stage on Victoria Embankment.

Armed Forces Day was first held in 2009 at Chatham's Historic Dockyard. Cardiff was the host city in 2010, Edinburgh in 2011 and Plymouth last year.

It is intended to recognise the relationship between the military and the public.

Today's celebrations mark the end of a week of events that started with the national raising of the Armed Forces Day flag on Monday.

It flew above buildings around the UK including Downing Street, the Tower of London and BT Tower.

On Wednesday reservists were encouraged to wear their military uniforms to work.

Today's event is taking place in the same week that the Chancellor confirmed that no more Armed Forces personnel would lose their jobs as a result of the latest Spending Review.

As part of the process Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, had commented on the idea that the Army had more horses than tanks.

The Defence Secretary Philip Hammond hit back at him in an interview with The House magazine.

He said: "Of course the Army has more horses than it has tanks.

"I would say that the ceremonial role that the Army plays - which is a tiny, tiny part of their overall activity - is very important to internal morale, military morale.

"But also, of course, it generates billions of pounds of return for the UK in terms of international reputation, tourist revenue, greetings card sales.

"If you were looking at it as an investment in UK PLC, it's a very worthwhile investment."