Hundreds of people packed out Horsham’s Carfax on Armed Forces Sunday (30 June) to enjoy a vast array of military vehicle displays, military themed stalls and delicious street food and drinks in the ‘Veterans’ Village’ that was created in the town centre in order to commemorate Armed Forces Week 2024.
The morning saw a parade of bands, standards, veterans and cadets to the War Memorial where a welcome address was delivered by the Chairman of the Horsham Branch of the Royal British Legion Zäl Rustom.
Entertainment throughout the day was provided in both the Carfax and Piries Place to create an amazing community atmosphere throughout the town. Displays were carried out by the Surrey and Sussex Drum and Bugle Corps and the Army Cadets.
A Sunset Ceremony was conducted at 2.45pm where Horsham District Council Chairman Cllr Nigel Emery delivered a commemorative speech and the Armed Forces Day flag was lowered to mark the close of the day.
In his remarks Cllr Emery said:
Armed Forces Week provides us with an opportunity to commemorate those who have died or were injured in military conflicts.
"In particular this year, we remember the many men of Sussex that died in the Boars Head Massacre on 29 June 1916, where the Royal Sussex regiment occupied the Boar’s Head, a salient line in the German Front Line during WW1. Some 17 officers and 349 men were killed and another 1000 were injured or taken prisoner. It is known in the regimental history as ‘The Day Sussex Died'.
More information is available on the Armed Forces Day website.
Events were held across the country throughout week commencing 24 June to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day commemorations.
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets. There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved.