Thousands mark Armed Forces Day
Thousands of people across Britain have united to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
More than 100 events have taken place, ranging from veterans' parades and bands to barbecues and fairs, in culmination of a week of tributes to British troops and their families.
An Iraq War veteran holding the highest military honour for valour carried the Olympic Torch through the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Crowds lined the streets of Plymouth to cheer on the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force bands as more than 1,200 servicemen and women, veterans and cadets marched through the city. The Royal Navy type-23 frigate HMS Argyll was then set to sail through Plymouth Sound to fire a 21-gun salute.
Prime Minister David Cameron and the Earl of Wessex were among the guests at the celebrations in Devon.
Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said he was delighted at the support given by the thousands of well-wishers.
"People across the country from all ages and backgrounds have a deep respect and appreciation for the Armed Forces, and Armed Forces Day is an excellent opportunity for us all to let our men and women realise how much they are appreciated," Sir Mark said. "It is from our society that our Armed Forces are drawn and from our society that we draw our strength."
Around 6,000 people waved Union flags as Victoria Cross winner Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry climbed the steps of the National Memorial Arboretum.
L/Cpl Beharry, who paused to salute his comrades at the UK's centre of remembrance, said afterwards it was an "emotional" experience.
The Government marked the day by announcing that new cadet units will receive £10.85 million so that more young people can join up and take pride in their community. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Department for Education (DfE) said they had committed the money for 100 new units across state-funded schools in England by 2015.
