Ministry of Defence
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Government responds to the National Recognition Study for the Armed Forces
The Ministry of Defence today responded formally to a study of public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces.
The independent National Recognition Study was published on May 19 2008 and made 40 recommendations, including the introduction of an annual day to recognise and celebrate the work of the Armed Forces community. In response, the MOD will hold the first British Armed Forces and Veterans Day on 27 June next year, building on the success of events across the country for this year's Veterans Day.
The study also identified the benefits of a more systematic approach to homecoming parades. There has been an outpouring of public support at recent homecoming parades and the MoD recognises the key role these parades have in allowing the public to show its appreciation of our Armed Forces. Each of the three services is now looking at how homecoming parades can be better organised across the country. The MOD has also welcomed an offer from the Royal British Legion to use its branches and staff to work with local military units and local authorities to help arrange military parades.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth said:
"Our military personnel are a force for good and working with them is a great privilege. All around the world, every day, they demonstrate their courage, dedication and professionalism in the service of their country and in Iraq and Afghanistan in particular, they are giving their all in order to assist the Iraqis and Afghans in securing their countries. Those who are serving and those who have served are a credit to the nation.
"The National Recognition Study is an excellent and innovative report and we have looked at every one of the recommendations in detail and accepted the vast majority of them. Where we have not fully accepted a recommendation, we have given meaning to its intent. This study forms part of a package of initiatives to ensure that our soldiers, sailors and airmen are understood, and fully appreciated, by Government and society. For the Government, the central pillar of this work is the Service Personnel Command Paper which was published in July and founded upon two principles. First, to end the disadvantage that armed service imposes on our people, their families, or our veterans. Second, it set out how we can better support those who are due special treatment, specifically those who have been wounded in the service of their country."
Note to Editors:
1. The National Recognition of the Armed Forces Study was conducted by Quentin Davies MP, now Minister for Defence Equipment and Support.
2. The Government's full response to the National Recognition Study is available on the MoD website: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/Welfare/GovtResptoInqintoNRAF.htm
3. The National Recognition Study was published on 19 May 2008 and is available on the MoD website: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/PersonnelPublications/DutyofCare/NationalRecognitionOfOurArmedForces
4. Further information can be obtained from Lucy Bowen in the MoD Press Office on 020 7218 9900.
