Today is Armed Forces Day
Today across the country local communities joined together to celebrate the magnificent contribution made by our Armed Forces. Unlike Remembrance Day in November the focus of this day is very much on those currently and recently serving, although many veterans will participate and will receive veterans badges at local ceremonies.
For some reason, here in Reading the main event will be tomorrow (Sunday 28th June) in Forbury Gardens from 12 noon to 5pm. will open with a performance given by The Band of the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers from the bandstand at 12 noon. The Band of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers appear by kind permission of the Director of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Army). Other musical entertainment will include a Dame Vera Lynn tribute from Diane James from 1pm to 2pm and the Reading Central Band of the Salvation Army will be playing between 2.30pm and 4pm.
An array of fundraising, information and recruiting stands relating to all aspects of the Armed Forces will fill the gardens. There will also be demonstrations and displays from representatives of REME Garrison Arborfield and HQ Company 7 Rifles. There will be something for children too with medal making workshops, dog tag making activities, an assault course, balloon modelling and face painting.
The event will also incorporate a Veterans Badge Presentation Ceremony at 4pm. Twenty veterans have been selected from those who applied to receive the badge at the Forbury Gardens event and remaining applicants will be invited to receive their badge at the Mayor’s Parlour later in the year.
Outside of the Forbury Gardens, the REME Garrison Arborfield will host a static vehicle display in Broad Street and The Band of the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers will be performing on The Oracle Riverside, before returning to the Forbury Gardens for the closing ceremony at 4.30pm.
List of Reading’s Armed Forces Day participants follows:
- Royal Engineers Association
- Reading Royal British Legion
- RGBW Reginmental Association (Reading Branch)
- SSAFA Forces Help
- SSAFA Forces Help (Reading)
- Reading Sea Cadets
- RBL Gurkhas Association
- Royal Marines Association
- TRBL Legion in the Community
- Royal Naval Association
- Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Association Reading Branch (Berkshire & DERR Old Comrades)
- REME Garrison Arborfield
- Age Concern
- Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force (Caversham Detachment)
- Army Armed Forces Careers Office
- Duchess of Kent House Charity
- British Red Cross
- Caversham Royal British Legion
- Royal Air Forces Association
- Royal Army Service Corps & Royal Corps Transport
- Burma Star Association
- HQ Company 7 Rifles
- C & J Medals
- The Coldstream Guards Association
- Grenadier Guards Association
- Household Division Association
- 1st Battalion Irish Guards
Come along to the Forbury Gardens in Reading tomorrow and have a great afternoon out.
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About Richard…
Richard is a Conservative Councillor on Reading Borough Council representing Peppard ward since 2007. He previously represented Thames ward from 2001 to 2004. He is currently Conservative Shadow Cabinet member for Transport. 
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We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. Thanks for letting us know about it.
No problem Alison. It was a great afternoon and good to see so many people there.
Music from the band stand made for a perfect afternoon. I enjoyed seeing Charlie Burt receiving his badge. The applause & whistles for him demonstrated his huge popularity!