A military parade kicks off celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day this year.

Swindon enters in to the spirit of the day to recognise people who have served in the armed forces both past and present.

The town will come to life on Saturday June 25 with a parade of military personell gathering outside Debenhams and then marching through the town centre to Wharf Green under the Big Screen. They will arrive by 11.30am and a military service will then take place followed by the Mayor of Swindon Ray Ballman and the Vice Lord Lieutenant Colonel James Arkell awarding veterans with the prestigious lapel badge at a special ceremony. It is a recognition of the work the combined forces have done for our country.

The ceremony has been organised by InSwindon, the Business Improvement District Company for the town centre. Veterans need to register for their award by visiting the Information Centre in Regent Street, log on to www.swindontown centre.co.uk, or download a badge form from www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/news_armed_forces_day/.

Captain Andy Lambert of the 280 movement control squadron of the Royal Logistic Corps Volunteers said that the meaning behind Armed Forces Day was what was important.

He said: “It is particularly significant this year with the presence of forces in the public eye every day in Afghanistan and now LIbya. It is a fairly new initiative for anybody who has served in the forces to get a major recognition which is long overdue.’’