During his speech, which pointed out that there will be some 300 Armed Forces Day events around the country, Mark confirmed that the Colchester Military Wives choir (who are based at Colchester garrison) will be performing at the Rayleigh event this Saturday. Commenting on the choir Mark said:
“I heard the Colchester Military Choir perform in portcullis House some months ago, and if it gives as good a performance on Saturday as it did then, all my constituents who attend the event will be very impressed.”
Commenting generally on Armed Forces Day events across the country, Mark Francois said, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence:
“Armed Forces Day allows us to come together, on a single day, to show our appreciation for what they do for us every day. Since its inception as veterans day in 2006—it became armed forces day in 2009—it has allowed millions of people to celebrate the achievements and remember the sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women. The event has gained real momentum in the past few years, thanks to the backing of the royal family, charities, businesses, the armed forces themselves, and thousands of volunteers up and down the country.”