Watch: Queen makes rare address to nation to mark Armed Forces Day
The Queen has hailed servicemen and women as a “source of inspiration, reassurance and pride” for the nation in a video message marking Armed Forces Day. In the rare national statement, Camilla paid tribute to the efforts of the military, in the face of “challenges and dangers” that not only safeguard the UK “but also defend liberties way beyond these shores”. Camilla’s message also reflected her personal association with the Armed Forces, as she described herself as the “proud daughter of an Army officer” and wore her Royal Lancers brooch – her late father’s regiment and the military unit she serves as Colonel in Chief. Source: PA, BFBS
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00I'm deeply honoured to join you all on Armed Forces Day. Whether in this country or overseas,
00:10we celebrate the service of men and women in our military and thank you all for everything
00:15you do to protect this country of ours. We also remember those who have made the ultimate
00:22sacrifice in pursuit of stability and peace around the world. Earlier this month, my husband
00:30and I were in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We were reminded of the incredible bravery
00:38of the Allied land, sea and air forces whose combined endeavours brought about the liberation
00:45of Western Europe and in whose debt we shall forever be. Eight decades later, I know that the
00:53same spirit and those same qualities remain much in evidence throughout our armed forces
01:00as you undertake your duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers.
01:06In doing so, you not only protect these isles but you also defend liberties way beyond these shores.
01:15Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and to the
01:22United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude. I would also like to thank your families who keep
01:32the home fires burning whilst you are deployed overseas. As the proud daughter of an army officer,
01:39I know something of the impact military life has on your loved ones. You too are heroes.
01:47In times of war and in times of peace, whether seen or unseen, our armed forces support and
01:55strengthen our nation. You're a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride and I salute you all.