The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

DerekR · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:52 pm Post subject: Armed Forces Day - Edinburgh

http://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/National.aspx

Events will kick off in Leith on the afternoon of Friday 24 June, including tours of HMS Portland, a Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate, and various water-based displays in Leith Docks, culminating in a full display by the Red Arrows over the Firth of Forth. There will also be the opportunity to watch a Royal Marine Commando display, a Royal Navy Field Gun Display, and displays by the Cadets.

On Armed Forces Day itself (Saturday 25 June), a parade of up to 1,500 serving personnel, veterans and cadets will march down the Royal Mile from the Castle Esplanade to Holyrood Park. The parade will end with a short ceremony of thanks "a Drumhead Ceremony" and this will be followed by a packed afternoon of events and entertainment for all the family, including flypasts by military aircraft, Highland dancing, music and a Veterans' Village. The day's celebrations will end with a Beating Retreat, a long-standing military tradition which now marks the end of a ceremonial occasion.

A War Stories Trail and related iPhone applications are in development, along with the digitisation of the personal collection of Field Marshal Earl Haig, which comprises objects and photographs and is held by the Museum of Edinburgh.

Members of the Royal Family are expected to attend Edinburgh's Armed Forces Day celebrations and it is anticipated that up to 80,000 people will come to the city to take part and show their support for the Armed Forces.
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