A giant flag was unfurled by military personnel at Pendennis Castle in Falmouth today to mark 100 days to go until Armed Forces Day – the national event which will be hosted in Cornwall 2023. 

A Royal Navy helicopter made a fly-past before military personnel abseiled down the walls of the castle to deliver the flag and a gun-crew also fired a ‘canon salute’.

Armed Forces Day, which celebrates the UK’s military, is supported by Bear Grylls, a former reservist in the British Special Forces, and he sent a special video message.

He said: “As a former member of the British Reserve Special Forces and an honorary colonel to the Royal Marines Commandos, I know first-hand how truly incredible our Armed Forces community is. 

“The motivation, commitment and professionalism that’s shown every day by serving personnel is inspirational. Selflessly performing their military duties, often in the most difficult and dangerous of settings. 

“So, I hope people will take this opportunity to show the Armed Forces their appreciation and take part in the celebrations. I know Cornwall is going to deliver a truly fantastic show.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Dr Andrew Murrison MP said: “With just 100 days to go until the national event, I am thrilled that the people of Cornwall will come together in Falmouth to show their support for the military community and the work that they do to keep us safe. 

“Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for members of the public to thank our service personnel and I encourage everyone to get involved, whether that's attending the national event in Falmouth, a local event or running their own event.”

Pictured: Royal Marines Band Corps Drums at Pendennis Castle for the Armed Forces Day Launch in Falmouth. Members of the Armed Forces joined local communities across Cornwall today to mark 100 days to go until the Armed Forces Day national event, taking place in Falmouth on 24 June. Amid the backdrop of Pendennis Castle, service personnel from across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force raised the official Armed Forces Day flag, declaring the countdown as having officially started. Adding to th
Royal Marines Band Corps Drums at Pendennis Castle for the Armed Forces Day launch in Falmouth (Royal Navy)

Regional air officer for the South West of England, Air Commodore, Polly Perkins, CBE said; “Armed Forces Day is a significant occasion for the people of the UK and provides a very special opportunity for the military services to unite with the very people that we serve.  Everything is ready and people will have a great experience, we’re really looking forward to the national celebrations in Cornwall this summer.”

Cornwall Council leader, Linda Taylor said; “Armed Forces Day is a special day for the UK and for Cornwall. 

“Cornwall is proud to support Armed Forces Day, the national event, and the countdown starts the march of the flag around the county. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work in getting us to this stage, and I look forward to communities across the UK coming together this summer in Cornwall and thanking the Armed Forces.”  

Organisers estimate the Armed Forces Day event in Cornwall 2023 will attract well in excess of 100,000 people and earn about £1m for the local economy.