Armed Forces Week 2023 At Coral Island
As part of Armed Forces Week 2023, Coral Island will be putting on its annual event for veterans from the UK’s Armed Forces on Thursday 22 June, with a complimentary two-course carvery, The Buccaneer’s a full three-meat carvery, and a seasonal dessert, and a drink upon arrival.
Coral Island’s senior operations manager, Mark Fox, served in the Royal Air Force, and many other members of staff have also served in the Armed Forces, and it is a matter of pride for Coral Island to have been a supporter of the services for the last 18 years.
Armed Forces Week at Coral Island
Armed Forces Week in Blackpool is an opportunity to say thank you to the hard-working men and women, and at Coral Island, we want to give our thanks too.
On Thursday 22 June, serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans are invited to join us at The Buccaneer, Coral Island’s family bar and restaurant for a two-course carvery meal and a complimentary drink from 2 pm.
The Royal British Legion Riders will also be here on the day, displaying their motorbikes and helping to make collections around Coral Island.
It is expected to be a popular event, so booking is required, and a fully-refundable deposit of £5 to secure a place, which can be done by calling 01253 922182. The deposit will be returned on the day. Any unclaimed deposits will be donated to the Poppy Appeal.
We would like to extend an invitation to any serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and Armed Forces families, and especially to the younger veterans - if you have worn the uniform, then you are a veteran! It will be our pleasure to serve you all. Attending children will also receive a Coral Island goody bag.
Veteran’s Day
Armed Forces Week began as Veteran’s Day and was first announced in 2006 by Gordon Brown, who was then the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Veteran’s Day aimed to make sure that the contribution of the British Armed Forces veterans was not forgotten.
In contrast to Remembrance Day on 11 November, which has a focus on honouring those who gave their lives for their country, Veteran’s Day, which was created as an extension of Veteran’s Awareness Week, is centred on celebrating current and ex-servicemen and women.
The first Veteran’s Day was held on 27 June 2006, which coincided with the day after the anniversary of the first investiture in 1857 of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system, awarded for valour ‘in the presence of the enemy’ to members of the British Armed Forces.
The event saw numerous celebrations across the UK, including events at the Imperial War Museum, parades in several cities, and a special service at Westminster Abbey.
In 2008, Veteran’s Day was centred on Blackpool, which was home to one of the largest military training centres during the Second World War. The special week of celebrations saw Spitfires soaring above the promenade, as well as many other amazing demonstrations, such as one Falklands veteran abseiling down Blackpool Tower!
Armed Forces Week
In 2009, the name of the annual event was changed to Armed Forces Week, so that it could encompass those currently serving in the British Armed Forces, as well as its veterans. Armed Forces Day is held on the last Saturday of June every year, but events are typically held throughout the previous week, starting on Monday with the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag on buildings and landmarks across the country.
The day is an opportunity for the British public to show their support for the many men and women who make up the British Armed Forces community, including those currently in service, Service families, cadets, reservists, and of course, veterans.
There are many ways for the British public to get involved across the UK and show their support for the brave men and women in the Armed Forces.
Why do we celebrate Armed Forces Week?
Giving support to the members of the Armed Forces can help provide a much-valued morale boost for our troops and their families.
In recent years, members of the Armed Forces helped bolster the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, manning testing stations in all weather, giving their time, including weekends and leave to help with the rollout of the vaccines, constructing Nightingale Hospitals, and serving on the frontline in the war against the virus.
It shows how much the British public owes so much to those in uniform, and the contribution they have made in the UK, as well as those who serve in areas of conflict around the world.
Currently, all three branches of the services are taking part in operations in more than 46 countries worldwide. The men and women of the British Armed Forces remain on duty 24/7, 365 days of the year, all around the world, keeping the peace, tackling terrorism, delivering humanitarian aid, and keeping the country safe.
The work that servicemen and women do can be dangerous, in blistering hot temperatures, or the frigid cold. It is hard work that can keep members away from their homes and families for long periods.
However, when servicemen and women do finally take off their uniforms, it can be difficult for them and their families, to find themselves without the sense of purpose or service that they have become accustomed to during their years in the Armed Forces, and it is equally important we show our support and gratitude to these veterans too.
We hope that you will all come and join us in showing support to our brave servicemen and women this June and that our invited Armed Forces personnel and veterans enjoy our complimentary hospitality as a token of our gratitude for the work they have done for the UK.
If you’d like more information about Armed Forces Week at Coral Island, or more information about our Pirate-themed, family-friendly venue for when you visit Blackpool this summer, get in touch today!
