Wiltshire Council has launched Armed Forces Day 2019 in Salisbury, the host city for next year’s Armed Forces Day National Event.
At a business breakfast and media launch in Salisbury today, local businesses were invited to find out more about plans for the three-day programme to mark Armed Forces Day in June 2019.
Serving personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force attended the event in Guildhall Square alongside a number of military vehicles including a Royal Marines Offshore Raiding Craft and an Army Panther protected patrol vehicle.
Ahead of the event, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Following the appalling chemical attack in March the decision to have Salisbury host Armed Forces Day 2019 was an easy one to make.
“I am certain the city will honour the troops who work tirelessly to protect us from the threats that we face at home and abroad. The people of Salisbury have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of great adversity caused by the Kremlin’s extremely irresponsible actions. The hosting of this national event will reinforce that the city is very much open for business.”
Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Wiltshire is the beating heart of the Armed Forces and we are extremely proud of our long association with the military.
“We are absolutely delighted that Wiltshire has been selected to host Armed Forces Day National Event 2019 next year. Just how much we need and owe to our Armed Forces was brought home this year – this extraordinary year – following the terrible and unprecedented incidents in Salisbury and Amesbury.”
Highlights of today’s launch event included music from the Salisbury City Band of The Royal British Legion and speeches by the Mayor of Salisbury Mike Osment and Baroness Scott. A countdown and confetti cannon helped celebrate the launch.