Let’s Give Peace a Chance on Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is on Saturday 24 June, or 17 June in some places. Over 350 events which package war as entertainment with military vehicles, weapons and recruiting stalls will be taking place across the UK. The national event is taking place in Liverpool. Here we list alternative events that are challenging the militarism of Armed Forces Day with vigils and events promoting peace.

Armed Forces Day is on Saturday 24 June, or 17 June in some places. Over 350 events which package war as entertainment with military vehicles, weapons and recruiting stalls will be taking place across the UK. The national Armed Forces Day event is taking place in Liverpool.

Here we list events taking place with provide a message of peace and an alternative to militarism. Let us know of others which we can help promote. 

Send us your reports and pictures from Armed Forces Day or post on social media.

‘Give Peace a Chance’ peace vigil in Liverpool

As the national event, Armed Forces Day in Liverpool will be big. As well as a parade, there will be three miliary zones, each displaying the ‘military assets’ of one of the three armed forces. There will also be ‘street theatre and family zones’ and a display area for ‘capability demonstrations’.

The tanks and weaponry, child-orientated events, recruitment stalls and combat displays will, ironically, be alongside the John Lennon Peace Monument, unveiled by Julian and Cynthia Lennon in 2010. Liverpool was the hometown of John Lennon, one of the world’s most renowned peace activists.

Merseyside Peace Network will be meeting at 11 am on Saturday 24 June and are holding a peace vigil at 12-12.45 and 2-2.45 at the gates of Albert Dock with a Give Peace a Chance banner.

There will also be a Peace Fair with a Film Show during the day at Liverpool Quaker Meeting House. See details

Peace vigil at Stirling Military Show

The Armed Forces will again be marching to Kings Park in Stirling for the annual Military Show on Saturday 17 June. Their website says ” the entertainment programme is packed with a parade, military displays, music, dancing and plenty of interactive fun to keep everybody happy.” The Scottish Peace Network believes that war is never fun and we will be there with our banners to say so. Anyone who wants to challenge the Governments militaristic propoganda is invited to join us in standing peacefully at the entrance to Kings Park. See details

Challenging Militarisation of Youth in Scotland

On Thursday 22 June, Edinburgh Peace and Justice will be hosting film screenings and discussion about military involvement in schools and communities, from annual Armed Forces Day events to the expansion of the Cadets programmes.. From 7 – 9pm at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL. With Jay Sutherland, founder of Scotland Against Militarism Campaign, Rhianna Louise from Forces Watch by Skype and Mairi Campbell-Jack, Quaker Scotland Parliamentary Liaison. See details

Join Veterans for Peace in York

On Saturday 24 June, Veterans For Peace UK will be in the city of York for Armed Forces Day from 10am to 5pm at Quaker Meeting House, YO1 9RL. There will be stalls, films and speakers and an evening event for members and supporters.  See here for more info.

Scotland Against Militarism in Glasgow

On Saturday 24 June, Scotland Against Militarism will be having a stall near the Buchanon Street Steps at 12pm. This is a change of location as the armed forces will no longer to holding a public display. Check here for details.

Peace vigil in Brighton

Brighton Quakers ?will hold a silent vigil on 24 June at the war memorial in Old Steine?,? Brighton?. Veterans for Peace will also be attending. See details

Peace Vigil in Bury St Edmunds

Quakers in Bury St Edmunds will be holding a silent vigil for peace between 11am and 11.30am on 24 June in the Memorial Peace Garden , Abbey Gardens. See details