UK National Armed Forces Day - 26 June 2010

Armed Forces' Day

(formerly Veterans' Day) in the United Kingdom is an annual event celebrated in June to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Services. Unlike the US Veterans day it is not a public holiday.

The date of 26 June is chosen because it is the anniversary of the first investiture of the Victoria Cross, in Hyde Park, London, on 26 June 1857. As of 2009 the name was changed to raise additional awareness and appreciation for those currently on active service in Afghanistan.