MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (242/2008) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 29
October 2008
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.