Armed Forces Day is about fuelling support for war and everyday militarism. It has little or nothing to do with providing help for veterans, who need a decent welfare state, not a celebration of militarism.
Due to the Covid pandemic, there will be few physical events for Armed Forces Day this year. However, ministers and military leaders will be using the opportunity to whip up militarism in the media and online.
Thankfully, Armed Forces Day will not go unchallenged. The Peace Pledge Union is working with other anti-militarist groups to challenge the militarist messages in the media, online and in local communities.
Many PPU members and allies will be sharing their views on Armed Forces Day on social media. If you want to do this, you may find it helpful to post links to our briefing What's Wrong With Armed Forces Day?
The briefing may also help you if you're thinking of writing to a local newspaper or your MP, or calling a radio phone-in, about Armed Forces Day. If you do any of these things, please let us know what reaction or response you receive! You can email us at mail@ppu.org.uk or call us on 020 7424 9444.
Next year, Armed Forces Day events are likely to return to "normal", with the pandemic hopefully being over. We are already thinking about how we can challenge Armed Forces Day in 2022. If you're interested, please drop us a line at mail@ppu.org.uk.
United Kingdom