Plymouth gets UK Armed Forces Day 2012

Nick Harvey: Armed Forces Day is "coming home"

Plymouth is to host the fourth UK Armed Forces Day on 30 June 2012.

Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey made the announcement on Plymouth Hoe where military personnel, veterans and cadets marked UK Armed Forces Day 2011.

The North Devon MP said: "Armed Forces day is coming home and it's richly deserved."

The day, which was hosted by Edinburgh in 2011, was marked on the Hoe with a marching band and exhibitions and displays on land, sea and air.

'Real honour'

Mr Harvey said: "The warmth and hospitality the city has shown our armed forces, our veterans, cadets and their families over the years has been outstanding, and truly demonstrates the historic link between the military and the city.

"It is clear from previous Armed Forces Day celebrations held in Plymouth that the city is well placed to host the national event."

Council leader Vivien Pengelly said: "This is a real honour for the city and testament to the overwhelming public support shown for Plymouth's servicemen and women.

"Plans will now be getting under way to stage our biggest Armed Forces Week yet and do the city's armed forces community proud."

The ships that defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588 sailed from the mouth of the River Plym.

Plymouth is headquarters of 3 Commando Brigade and Devonport in Plymouth is home to the largest naval base in western Europe.

St Austell in Cornwall marked Armed Forces Day with a special service and parade involving members of all three armed forces in the county.