Queen hails military families who ‘keep home fires burning’ in Armed Forces Day message
The Queen has hailed the military families who “keep the home fires burning” in her first Armed Forces Day message.
She also paid tribute to the “determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty” of servicemen and women who not only safeguard the UK “but also defend liberties way beyond these shores”.
The Queen described herself as the “proud daughter of an Army officer” in the video message and wore her Royal Lancers brooch in honour of her late father’s regiment and the military unit she serves as Colonel in Chief.
Her rare national statement was recorded in the Morning Room at Clarence House, where a photograph of her mother, then Rosalind Cubitt, posing with her father, Major Bruce Shand, outside St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, London, on their wedding day, January 2 1946, was on display.
Major Shand served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940, during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa. He was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in the same region. He died in June 2006 aged 89.
Armed Forces Day was established in 2006 after a campaign by The Telegraph to recognise and remember the bravery of Britain’s men and women in uniform.
The first such event was held on June 27, chosen as it came the day after the anniversary of the first investiture of the Victoria Cross, which happened in Hyde Park, London, in 1857.
Elizabeth II often released messages to mark the day but it is not deemed convention for the monarch to do so.
As a force’s daughter, it was deemed appropriate for the Queen to make a statement this year, The Telegraph understands.
In a nod to her husband’s military service, a historic photograph of the King wearing his Royal Navy uniform as Admiral of the Fleet, taken in the garden at Clarence House, was also placed alongside her on the table.
The Queen said she was “honoured” to celebrate the service of the men and women in our military, thanking them all “for everything you do to protect this country of ours.” She also remembered those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” in the pursuit of world peace.
The King and Queen joined world leaders on the beaches of Normandy on June 6 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Second World War D-Day landings.
The Queen recalled the ceremony as she said: “We were reminded of the incredible bravery of the Allied land, sea and air forces whose combined endeavours brought about the liberation of Western Europe and in whose debt we shall forever be.
“Eight decades later, I know that that same spirit and those same qualities remain much in evidence throughout our Armed Forces, as you undertake your duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers.
“In so doing, you not only protect these Isles but also defend liberties way beyond these shores. Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and the United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude.”
The Queen added: “I also want to thank your families, who keep the home fires burning, whilst you are deployed overseas. As the proud daughter of an Army officer, I know something of the impact military life has on your loved ones – you too are heroes.
“In times of war and in times of peace, whether seen or unseen, our Armed Forces support and strengthen our nation. You are a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride – and I salute you all.”
The Queen is patron of the military charity British Forces Broadcasting Service and the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department. Her other military appointments include Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles.
