At the event, serving members of the armed forces, ex-servicemen and cadets took part in a parade. The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Brian Schama, then raised the union jack flag and later signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant on behalf of the borough to show support for all servicemen and women living in Barnet.
There are currently over seventy reservists from units within Barnet who are committed to operational service, about a third of the overall strength. Seventeen are already in Afghanistan while nineteen are preparing to be deployed. The rest are committed to Operation Olympics or on post-operational leave.Theresa said, “Armed Forces Day is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the dedication and bravery of Britain’s armed forces past, present and future, and to think about those who are deployed around the world and hope for their safe return.”
“The fact that so many reservists from units within the borough have seen active service in Afghanistan makes it more important than ever that we mark Armed Forces day with solemnity and gratitude to those who put their lives on the line for our security.”
The government marked the day by announcing £10.85m to fund 100 new cadet units in state-funded schools in England by 2015.