Reserves Day in the United Kingdom honors the vital contributions of military reservists every Wednesday before the last Saturday in June. This day celebrates the dedication and professionalism of individuals who balance civilian careers with their commitment to national defense. Take a moment to learn about their service, share stories of reservists, and support organizations that aid them.
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Expected Reserves Day Deals
Reserves Day is a time for recognition rather than commercial deals, focusing on appreciation for the UK’s military reservists. Many organizations and businesses offer special discounts or recognition programs for armed forces personnel year-round, which may be highlighted on this day. Look for initiatives from companies like Barclays, which actively supports the Armed Forces Covenant, or retailers that offer military discounts. Charities such as Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion often run awareness campaigns or fundraising drives that benefit reservists and their families. We will update this page with confirmed live recognition programs as June approaches.
Platform Guide for Reserves Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ReservesDayUK. Share stories of reservists in your workplace or network.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #ReservesDayUK. Share news, recognition posts, and messages of thanks to reservists.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ReservesDayUK. Share community events or personal tributes to reservists.
Reserves Day Hero
Lord Dannatt
History of Reserves Day
On June 27, 2009, the U.K. celebrated Reserves Day. It took the place of the previous Veterans’ Day, which was established in 2006. The date was chosen because it fell on the anniversary of the first investiture ceremony for the Victoria Cross army medal for heroism, which took place on June 26, 1857. Chatham Historic Dockyard, a former Royal Navy base, was the focus of the 2009 celebrations. Because of the official birthday celebration, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and his Duchess of Gloucester, as well as the top of the unified defense force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and Defense Minister Kevan Jones, all attended. On July 26, 2009, the Isle of Man, a Crown Dependency, held its monthly events. The focus of the 2010 event shifted to Cardiff, and in 2011, it was Edinburgh’s turn; smaller events had previously taken place in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Reserves Day 2012 was renamed Plymouth Reserves Day. The Isle of Man’s event will take place on Sunday, June 24.
Scarborough has been chosen as the host city for the United Kingdom Reserves Day event in 2020, which will take place on Saturday, June 27. Scarborough was chosen as the venue in June 2018 after submitting an “exquisite” bid to the Ministry of Defence. The event was scheduled for June 27, 2020, and it was expected to include a large number of activities both on the day of the event and in the lead-up to it. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the AFD became a “virtual event,” so Scarborough Borough Council created a website with military-related content instead. In lieu of the 2020 event, the AFD for 2021 could be held in Scarborough.
Reserves Day timeline
In 2009, the first Reserves Day was commemorated.
The event was concentrated in Edinburgh in 2011.
In 2012, Reserves Day was changed to a Plymouth-focused event.
Scarborough has been chosen as the host city for the United Kingdom Reserves Day in 2020.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Reserves Day
Local businesses can honor Reserves Day by actively supporting employees who are military reservists. Consider implementing flexible work policies that accommodate training schedules or offering paid time off for service commitments. Businesses can also host small recognition events, share stories of their reservist employees on internal and external channels, or partner with local military charities for fundraising. Displaying the Armed Forces Covenant logo or offering special discounts to reservists are also meaningful ways to show appreciation.
Reserves Day FAQs
When is Reserves Day?
Reserves Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, June 24, in the United Kingdom. It is observed annually on the Wednesday before the last Saturday in June, recognizing the vital role of military reservists.
How many Reservists are there in the UK?
As of recent figures, the UK’s Reserve Forces comprise approximately 30,000 trained personnel across the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve, Army Reserve, and Royal Auxiliary Air Force. These dedicated individuals form a crucial part of the nation’s defense capability.
What is the role of the UK's Reserve Forces?
The UK’s Reserve Forces provide a highly skilled and adaptable pool of personnel who can be deployed to support regular military operations both at home and abroad. They bring specialist skills from their civilian careers, enhancing the overall capability of the Armed Forces.
Is Reserves Day a public holiday in the UK?
No, Reserves Day is not a public holiday in the UK. It is an observance dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the contributions of military reservists, encouraging public and employer recognition.
How to Observe Reserves Day
Express pride in the Armed Forces
Attend all Reserves Day activities. Go ahead and express your pride in your inner self for your country's brave armed forces.
Spread awareness about the event
The majority of our loved ones are still unaware of this event. It is our responsibility, as citizens of the U.K., to spread awareness among those who are unaware so that they can participate.
Show Gratitude to the Reservists
Our reservists are the ones who put their lives on the line for the country. As a result, we should commemorate this day by thanking reservists for their sacrifices and hardships in the name of our safety and security.
5 Interesting Facts About Reserves Day
It has an alternate name
'Uniform to Work Day' is another name for Reserves Day.
It replaced another day
Veteran's Day was replaced with Reserves Day.
It is linked to a medal anniversary
The commemoration of the primary investiture ceremony for the Victoria move army medal for heroism was used to determine the date for Reserves Day.
It became a virtual event
The AFD became a "virtual event" after the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s a day to shine in military gear
On this day, reservists are free to put on their uniform as they go about their civilian activities.
Why Reserves Day is Important
It honors a noble profession
It is our Armed Forces' only annual commemoration. We should honor our reserves on this day because they protect us from external threats.
It teaches us more about reservists
We learn about the actual amount of effort our forces put into our safety and security as a result of this event. Furthermore, it broadens our understanding of the threats that our country faces and how our armed forces respond to them.
It showcases our Army's capability
On this day, the armed forces show what they are capable of in terms of protecting the country. The general public enjoys watching these activities.
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