Today, Armed Forces Day previously known as Veterans Day has been celebrated by many across the United Kingdom. This was an opportunity for the nation to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: including the currently serving troops to Service families and from veterans to recruits.

This is a new annual event which celebrates the UK’s Armed forces (RAF, Royal Navy, and Army) –past, present and future. There were many events held throughout the UK today and I went along to show my support and had a fantastic day. I took my two young boys with me and explained to them what our soldiers do for our country. It is indeed very commendable the sacrifices these soldiers and their families make everyday for our country. It takes a certain type of person to be able to enter into this career path, a very brave person.

We have all studied World War I and II in history at school. These soldiers gave their lives for our freedom and peace. I cannot even begin to imagine how life was like for them, the pain and suffering and fear they all went through. Having to leave their loved ones behind not knowing if they will ever see them again is unimaginable. I think many of us take our lives for granted. Even though war is still ongoing in Afghanistan, due to it being so far away, it does not seem to impact on us directly. But can you imagine living in the thick of it? That thought terrifies me. We all see the images in the news on TV and we should be thankful that we do not have to live like that. I would love for people to upload their first hand accounts of their experiences on to Evergenes so we can all share their thoughts and never take for granted the sacrifices made by so many brave individuals for us.

I shall definitely be celebrating Armed Forces Day next year; it is our chance to say thank you.