Armed Forces Day - Sat 29th June, Plymouth Hoe

After last year's huge National Armed Forces Day 2012, staged in Plymouth and attended by PM David Cameron, this year also looked promising and with the sun shining over the City, it proved to be a perfect Summer's day out for all the family to show their respect for members of our Armed Forces past and present. Although the air displays were scaled down this year, along with no Naval salute due to the powerboat racing that was taking place in The Sound, Plymouth Hoe provided locals and tourists with a packed entertainment programme throughout with plenty of displays in the ground arena and the length of The Hoe. The day began with the RAF and Allied Forces Memorial Service and opening of the Veterans Village Marquee with over 40 organisations.

It gives the public chance to get up close and personal with the men and women of our Armed Forces, with generations of Plymouthians and plenty of families coming together for this excellent day. Particularly impressive for me was the weapons displays and Bomb Disposal Displays from the Devonport Based Units but what stood out most was some of the more lesser know organisations were really busy on their stands throughout the day including the Royal Observer Corps, British Korean War Veterans Association, Wrens, and the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre which has been given a new lease of life this year, with new displays and more open days.

One of the busiest displays of the day came in the form of Devon and Cornwall Police with great displays from the Counter Terrorism Underwater Search Teams and highlight of the day for many, the brand new Lotus sports car in full Police livery. All the kids will want one and Dad too for this new car for the Devon and Cornwall Force will be a regular sight on the roads after being loaned by Lotus for road safety awareness. It will be seen around events for the next few weeks until being handed back to Lotus.

Overall the whole day was a resounding success and thanks must go out to all the organizers, Plymouth City Council and all the organisations that once again brought The Hoe well and truly alive for this annual event, and we look forward to more in the future.