Armed Forces Day 2023
This year's the Armed Forces Day National Event was centred on Falmouth, Cornwall and provided the stage for the whole of the UK to show support for our Armed Forces and some ARDENT’s were there to take part. Along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, thousands of spectators gathered to mark the occasion.
Association Secretary, Pete Brierley, marched in the Veterans parade and Andy Cox and Richie Gough provided moral support from the sidelines. More than 1,000 military personnel, veterans and cadets paraded through the town, while there were also spectacular air displays, parachute jumps and more throughout the day.
Richie captured the day, assisted by Association junior member, Alfie Draycott, who provided the stunning images of the air displays.
ARDENT challenges coins were presented to Cornwall County Councillor Louis Gardner (left photo). In 2002 Louis led a diving team from HMS Leeds Castle to replace the Ensign on the wreck of ARDENT. We also met Leading Hand Royal Navy Police Tommy Owen, on duty at Armed Forces Day in Falmouth. Tommy trained in Hanson Division, named after our lost shipmate Shaun Hanson, so he also received an ARDENT Challenge Coin.
Now in its 15th year, Armed Forces Day is the culmination of a week of events which celebrate the entire Armed Forces community and all that they stand for, thanking them for defending our way of life, protecting British citizens around the world, and strengthening our relationships with our allies and partners. It also recognises the service and sacrifice the families of serving personnel make.
