St Andrew Square will welcome a parade of serving personnel, veterans and supporters this weekend as The Royal British Legion Scotland and Council hosts special events to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
Celebrations in Edinburgh will start from 10.30am on Saturday 27 June as the annual parade of up of 300 – 500 serving personnel and veterans takes place along George Street to St Andrew Square. They will be welcomed by Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, and there will be live music until 2.30pm.
Highlights include: The Lowland & Highland Bands of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes & Drums, Richard Kerr, Maria Townsley, Jason Sweeney, Edinburgh Military Wives Choir and a special guest appearance from singer Andrew Wilson who recently performed in front of a 67000 Crowd at Murrayfield at the Zach Bryan concert. The event will be hosted by BFBS Broadcaster Mark McKenzie
On Monday (22 June), the Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and raised above the City Chambers to honour Armed Forces personnel past, present and future. ‘Raise the Flag Day’ is when hundreds of civic and government buildings throughout the United Kingdom will fly the Armed Forces Day flag until just after the weekend.
The Armed Forces Day events in Edinburgh are open to all to show their support for the Armed Forces and veterans.
Edinburgh's Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, said:
As Scotland’s capital and being a garrison city, the City of Edinburgh has a proud and longstanding tradition of supporting our UK Armed Forces and veterans. Hosting an annual day of celebration in their honour is just one of many ways in which the people of Edinburgh and visitors alike can show their support to our armed forces.
Our entertainment line-up features military bands and brilliant vocalists performing on stage. There will also be some fascinating vintage military vehicles plus a number of stalls providing information on the important work and support which our Armed Forces, veterans and ex-forces personnel do.
Brian Ward at Legion Scotland, said:
Armed Forces Day is a fantastic opportunity for us all to show our appreciation to the wonderful men and women who serve our country, including our Armed Forces, Reservists and Cadets. It is also a time to recognise the vital contribution and sacrifices made by the families who support them every day.
Together, we can celebrate their dedication, commitment and service, and ensure they know how much their efforts are valued by communities across the UK.
Similar events will take place across the UK, enabling people to come out and show their support, and giving a much-valued morale boost for Armed Forces personnel and their families.