Armed Forces Day in the UK was introduced in 2009, as one of several initiatives to ramp up support for militarism in the wake of public opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
While Armed Forces Day involves events around the UK, the National Event is in a different location every year. This year it will be held in Falmouth.
Past experience suggests that the town will be full of military parades and militaristic pomp, with children being invited to handle real weapons and presented with an image of war as glamorous and exciting. There is literally *no restriction at all* on the age at which a child can be invited ot handle real weapons.
Questions about the reality of war, militarism and abuse within the armed forces will be brushed under the carpet. Thankfully, not all local people are happy about this.
Groups including Cornwall Quakers and Cornwall Resists are organising alternative events in Falmouth. The Peace Pledge Union (PPU) nationally, along with PPU members and allies in Cornwall, are pleased to support this resistance to Armed Forces Day.
On the day itself (Saturday 24 June), the plans include:
10.30am - 11.00am: Peace Vigil on The Moor
11.00am - 11.30am: Peace parade with peace banners to Events Square or as far as is
safely possible (the military parade will leave Rugby Square at 11.00am and is due to arrive at Events Square at 11.30am).
Throughout the day: Peace Stall near King Charles the Martyr Church; Peace Hub at The Cornish Bank
Please click on the links to read about events on the Thursday and Friday.
United Kingdom
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Events Information
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