Armed Forces Day 2026
We acknowledge the incalculable debt we owe those who defend and serve our Nation. We recognise their sacrifice at memorials across Lanarkshire on Remembrance Sunday in November and strive in our own times to maintain true freedom and safeguard the peace, won at so great a cost.
Lanarkshire has a rich history of supporting our Armed Forces. Many men and women from North and South Lanarkshire served in the two world wars and in conflicts since. Many still serve including in the Reserve Forces and Cadets organisations. The Armed Forces Community incorporates the Armed Forces, Veterans, Reservists, Cadets, and Service Families.
What is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. It is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans, and cadets.
It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning this year on Monday 22nd June and concluding on Sunday 28th June. It also includes Reserves Day (24th June), which provides the country with an opportunity to recognise our Reserve Forces.
Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much-valued morale boost for serving personnel, veterans and their families. You can find out more about what they are doing at home and around the world by visiting the official sites of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved.
How will it be recognised?
Across the UK, events will be held to commemorate our Armed Forces, with the majority of celebrations taking place on Armed Forces Day, on Saturday, 27th June 2026. However, celebrations will begin formally on Monday, 22nd June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.
There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved. There is an interactive map to find local events. In Lanarkshire, there will be formal civic events at the Council buildings in Motherwell on 22nd June and in Hamilton on 20th June.