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Spitfire fly-past for Forces Day Cardiff to host next Forces Day
(about 1 hour later)
A Spitfire fly-past and a display from the Red Devils parachute team are among events being held in Cardiff to mark the UK's first Armed Forces Day. Cardiff has officially accepted an invitation to host the second annual Armed Forces Day celebrations in 2010.
It honours the work and bravery of all past and present members of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister made the announcement as events were held to mark the first ever day to honour all Armed Forces members, past and present.
Thousands of people were gathering in Cooper's Field to see forces' bands perform and military displays, while veterans will parade in the city. This year's national event host city is Chatham, Kent, while other fun days and services are being held across the UK.
Across Wales, services and other events were being held. A Spitfire fly-past and a display from the Red Devils parachute team are among the events in Cardiff's Cooper's Field.
Councillor Brian Griffiths, Lord Mayor of Cardiff, said the event was an important one. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Brian Griffiths, said it was "an honour and a privilege" for the Welsh capital to be chosen as the host city of the 2010 Armed Forces Day.
"Cardiff's Armed Forces Day events will contribute to a wider understanding of the Armed Forces community, and of the crucial role that it plays in our national life, and of the remarkable men and women, both current and serving and veteran, who are at it's heart," he said. "Hosting next year's event gives Cardiff and the whole of Wales the opportunity to pledge our support to the brave men and women who not only served our country in the past but continue to do so today," he said.
The Ministry of Defence said there will be a fly-past by a Spitfire aircraft of the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over Cooper's Field, along with parachute displays by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team - known as the Red Devils. "Wales has a very strong military history with Cardiff housing the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Welsh at Maindy Barracks.
The day also features musical performances by the Central Band of the RAF and Welsh Guards Band, along with a commemoration service and veteran's parade. Plans have already begun to make next year's event something of which both Wales and the UK can be justly proud Councillor Brian Griffiths, Lord Mayor of Cardiff
Dave Morris, the main event organiser, said it was a "tremendous honour" to be involved in Armed Forces Day. "Plans have already begun to make next year's event something of which both Wales and the UK can be justly proud."
"Everyone is welcome so please do come along and join in the fantastic spectacular displays and family fun," he added. Next year will also see Cardiff Castle open a brand new Museum of the Welsh Soldier.
The museum has been developed by the Queen's Dragoon Guards and Royal Regiment of Wales and will open to the public from next Spring.
Gordon Brown revealed Cardiff's role as 2010 host of Armed Forces Day while attending the celebrations in Chatham.
'Day of celebration''Day of celebration'
In Cardiff, the Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell extended the invitation from the Ministry of Defence when he attended events in Cooper's Field.
The 2010 Armed Forces Day flag was also brought to the city by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, who were entertaining the crowds in Cardiff.
A Spitfire fly-past was also being held, while veterans were taking part in a parade in the city.
Armed Forces Day was established to recognise the work and bravery of all serving troops, veterans, recruits and their families.Armed Forces Day was established to recognise the work and bravery of all serving troops, veterans, recruits and their families.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave his backing to the day last year, when he said it should be "a special day of celebration".Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave his backing to the day last year, when he said it should be "a special day of celebration".
The idea for such a day was also supported by senior military commanders and some families of service personnel killed in war.The idea for such a day was also supported by senior military commanders and some families of service personnel killed in war.
Events, parades and services are being held across the country, including in Pontypridd, Bridgend and Tredegar, and at the National Event will be held at the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. Events, parades and services are being held across the country, including in Pontypridd, Bridgend and Tredegar.