Queen Pays Tribute To Past And Present Servicemen And Women On Armed Forces Day

Transcript

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.

01:16Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other

01:22and to the United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude.

01:28I would also like to thank your families who keep the home fires burning whilst you are deployed

01:35overseas. As the proud daughter of an army officer, I know something of the impact military

01:42life has on your loved ones. You too are heroes. In times of war and in times of peace, whether seen

01:51or unseen, our armed forces support and strengthen our nation. You're a source of inspiration,

02:00reassurance and pride and I salute you all.