Britain marks National Armed Forces Day

British Prime minister Theresa May and top military officials gathered in Liverpool city to lead the nation in honouring the country's servicemen and women on National Armed Forces Day.

Soldiers from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and military veterans took part in events on Saturday which started with a gun salute at Liverpool's historic Pier Head waterfront where the Royal Navy's type-23 frigate warship, HMS Iron Duke, was docked, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, represented Queen Elizabeth.

There were a host of displays including warplanes, helicopters, diving tanks, inflatable boats, tanks, a field hospital, simulators and marching military bands.

Around Britain, a record of events took place, including parades, military displays and community fetes.

"Our world-leading Armed Forces work day and night to defend our country and our way of life, both at home and abroad," May said in Liverpool.

"In the aftermath of the Manchester attack, military personnel played a vital role on British streets, providing visible reassurance. And further afield they continue to take the fight in Iraq and Syria, helping to drive the terrorists back and give ordinary people in those countries the chance to rebuild their lives."

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, also in Liverpool, said: "Today is a valuable opportunity to give something back to the Armed Forces community, which works so hard to keep us safe each and every day."

British armed forces are currently involved in over 20 operations in some 25 countries.

--IANS

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