Saturday 25 June 2011

UK Armed Forces Day parade takes place in Edinburgh


Glenn Campbell and Lt Col Liz Makinney-Bennett explain the pageantry

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A parade of 2,500 military personnel, veterans and cadets has marched down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to mark UK Armed Forces Day.
The celebrations were attended by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond.
Thousands of people have turned out at events across the Armed Forces Day official host city.
Street parties and parades are also taking place throughout the UK.
Events in Edinburgh got under way on Friday, with tours of HMS Portland, which is moored in Leith, and an aerial display by the Red Arrows.
Charles and Camilla, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when they are in Scotland, were watching the main parade from the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to Holyrood Park.
It ended with a short ceremony of thanks, where the royal couple met veterans and service personnel.
The parade was being followed by an afternoon of entertainment and ending with a Beating Retreat and a Typhoon and Tornado flypast from RAF Leuchars and RAF Lossiemouth.
Red Arrows Events in the city began on Friday and included a Red Arrows flypast
The Red Arrows display over the Firth of Forth on Friday was their first full performance in the city for 23 years.
Squadron Leader Ben Murphy said being involved in Armed Forces Day was "massively important".
He said: "Most of us have come from operational backgrounds, having served in Afghanistan and Iraq and other theatres.
"For us to be able to come up here and participate in these types of events is a massive honour."
Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "Armed Forces Day provides a unique opportunity for us all to pay thanks to the men and women who serve this country with such distinction.
"I would especially like to thank the City of Edinburgh for hosting this national event.
"The city has a long and proud military history, and provides the perfect setting for us all to say thank you to our Armed Forces."

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