Reserves Day is observed annually on the Wednesday preceding the last Saturday in June, and this year it will be observed on June 21. This day is an occasion to recognise and honour the vital contribution that Reservists make to the defence capability of the United Kingdom. Reservists have always played and will continue to play an essential role in our defence force, and in addition to their regular jobs, they provide a valuable service to the state. They have always played an essential role in our Armed Forces, and their dedication and professionalism contribute significantly to the security of the nation both domestically and internationally.
The background of Reserves Day
On June 27, 2009, the United Kingdom observed Reserves Day. It replaced the prior Veterans’ Day, which had been instituted in 2006. The date was selected because it coincided with the anniversary of the first investiture ceremony for the Victoria Cross army medal for valour, which occurred on June 26, 1857. Former Royal Navy base Chatham Historic Dockyard was the focal point of the 2009 celebrations. Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and his Duchess of Gloucester, as well as the head of the unified defence force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirling, and Defence Minister Kevan Jones, all attended the official birthday celebration. The Isle of Man, a Crown Dependency, conducted its monthly events on July 26, 2009. Smaller events had previously been held in the United Kingdom. the 2010 event shifted its focus to Cardiff, and in 2011 it was Edinburgh’s turn. The 2012 Reserves Day of the United Kingdom was renamed Plymouth Reserves Day. The Isle of Man will host its event on Sunday, June 24.
Scarborough has been selected as the host city for the United Kingdom Reserves Day celebration on Saturday, June 27, 2020. The venue was selected in June 2018 after submitting a “exquisite” proposal to the Ministry of Defence. The event was scheduled for June 27, 2020, and a large number of activities were anticipated both on the day of the event and in the days leading up to it. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the AFD became a “virtual event,” so the Scarborough Borough Council instead developed a website with military-related content. In lieu of the event in 2020, the AFD could be conducted in Scarborough in 2021.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RESERVES DAY
Reserves Day is also known as “Day of the Work Uniform.”
Reserves Day has supplanted Veteran’s Day.
The date of Reserves Day was determined based on the anniversary of the first investiture ceremony for the Victoria Cross army medal for valour.
The AFD became a “virtual event” following the COVID-19 pandemic.
On this day, reservists are permitted to wear their uniform while conducting civilian duties.
RESERVES DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 22 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | June 21 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | June 26 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | June 25 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | June 24 | Wednesday |
