The public is invited to mark the Isle of Man's Armed Forces Day on Sunday 28th June.
Local men and women serving in the Armed Forces will join veterans in a parade along Douglas’s promenades at 3pm and at a church service at the Villa Marina at 3.45pm.
In what is always a moving highlight of the service, serving personnel returning to the Island for the occasion are welcomed into the Royal Hall with a standing ovation.
The day culminates in afternoon tea and an evening of entertainment at the Villa Marina.
The event has significance this year as the Island marks the 70th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.
Veterans of World War Two are among those participating in the parade and service.
For the eighth time in the nine-year history of the event, students from secondary schools will take part in Armed Forces Day.
Brigadier Norman Butler CBE chairs the Armed Forces’ Day committee, which has the patronage of the Lieutenant Governor, the President of Tynwald and the Chief Minister and is made up of representatives of all the Island’s ex-service organisations.
Brigadier Butler said:
‘We are expecting a good turnout of veterans and serving personnel for the ninth annual event, which publicly recognises their service past and present.
‘It is a sad fact that, as the bulk of the veterans are now ex National Service and their average age is over 80, future years will see a steady fall in their numbers.
‘We are therefore greatly encouraged by the interest and participation of our youth and are giving increasing priority to their involvement.’
The Brigadier said:
‘We very much hope that the public will take the opportunity to watch the parade.’
Juan Watterson MHK, the Isle of Man Government’s Armed Forces Champion, said:
‘Armed Forces Day is one of the major occasions in the year that brings the armed forces and the wider community together. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the sacrifice given by so many and honour those who have fought for our country.
‘It is gratifying that so many units with links to the Island make the special effort to join us for this event and I hope as many people as possible will repay that effort by joining in and attending Armed Forces Day.
‘This year is particularly special as we are developing our home-grown talent for an Isle of Man Reserve Unit.’
Application forms for free tickets for Armed Forces Day can be obtained from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre, the Manx Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, the Manx Legion Club in Douglas, public libraries in Onchan and Ramsey and Commissioners’ offices or by returning the form that appears in this week’s Isle of Man Examiner and Isle of Man Courier.
Forms should be returned to Ann Wilson at 1 Kensington Avenue, Douglas, IM1 3ET.
Armed Forces Day is a British-Isles-wide event and a national event in the Isle of Man.
You can follow news of the event on the Facebook page Armed Forces Day Isle of Man.
