Every year, Reserves Day is commemorated on the Wednesday before the last Saturday in June and this year it will be marked on June 25. This day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vital role that Reservists play in bolstering the UK’s defense capability. Reservists have always played and will continue to play an important role in our defense force, and they provide a valuable service to the state in addition to their regular jobs. They have always played an important role in our Armed Forces, and their dedication and professionalism contribute significantly to the nation’s security both at home and abroad.
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.
Reserves Day FAQs
What can I do as a Reservist to support Reserves Day?
Wear your uniform to work on Reserves Day and also talk about your Reserve Forces experiences.
What can I do as an adult volunteer with the Cadet Forces to support Reserves Day?
Adult volunteers in the Cadet Forces are also welcome to wear their uniform on Reserves Day if it is appropriate.
What can I do as an employer to support Reserves Day?
Encourage your Reservist employees to wear their uniforms to work. You can also display posters, submit an intranet article, write a press release to show your support for the Reserve Forces, or host a work-community talk to thank your Reservists.
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.
Reserves Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 22 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | June 21 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | June 26 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 25 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | June 24 | Wednesday |
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