Armed Forces Day Messages: ‘You’re Having A Ten From Len’

To mark Armed Forces Day, BFBS the Forces Station asked their listeners and some celebrities to record messages of support and admiration for servicemen and women. 

One of the biggest dates in the military calendar, Armed Forces Day is a chance for the nation to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets. 

Armed Forces Day always showcases the best that the British military has to offer, with many spectacular and memorable events planned in the event's history. 

Below you can hear messages from people like Melanie from Felix Fund The Bomb Disposal Charity whose father and brother both served in the British Army; an RAF veteran from Didcot who encourages people to “stag on” and a Strictly Come Dancing judge who gives Britain’s armed forces a very rare accolade indeed.

First, we will hear from veterans and charity workers. The people who work tirelessly to support the very service people they hold such admiration for. 

Bob Field | Engagement Manager at The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity based in Portsmouth

“I’d like to salute our forces by thanking everybody who serves but especially those currently deployed. BZ everybody.” 

Lieutenant Commander Kyle Walkley 

“I’d like to salute our forces and say hi to everyone on PWO course 193.” 

Proud RAF veteran Ian Handford | Framing Studio in Didcot 

“A big shout out to all of those serving, home and abroad and to all veterans wherever you are. Have a great Armed Forces Day, keep safe and stag on.” 

Jacqui Nicholson | Veteran charity Sporting Force 

“This Armed Forces Day I would really like to thank my good friend Mark Steed. Mark, who served for 37 years, actually returned last year into the role of Joint Regional Liaison Officer for the North East to support all of us through this emergency crisis. I would like to thank him for his service for over 37 years now and tell him thank you from all of us in the North East for his hard work and dedication.” 

WATCH: American actor and veteran Larry Wilcox, best known for his role in the TV show CHiPs, recorded a special Armed Forces Day message

Melanie Moughton | Chief Executive at Felix Fund, The Bomb Disposal Charity 

“I would like to salute our forces by paying special thanks to the men and women of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search communities. They work tirelessly at home and abroad to keep us all safe. This Armed Forces Day will be the first time since 1958 when my father passed his ammunition training that there is no longer a member of my family serving in EOD as my brother has recently retired after almost 30 years. I would like to wish you all a happy Armed Forces Day.” 

Hilary Hesbrook | National Volunteering and Community Engagement Lead at the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity 

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all our armed forces, whether regular, reserves, serving or veterans. Thank you for your service. You are amazing. A special shout out to all the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, past and present. All of us at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity are really proud to support you and your families. Thank you all for everything you do.” 

Abbie Wood | Veterans & Families Institute at Anglia Ruskin University 

“I’d like to say a special thank you to all of the work done by our Armed Forces and in particular the work done by the Navy and all the families that support them.” 

Alison Baverstock | Founder of military charity Reading Force 

“I’m grateful to the armed forces for their sheer reliability, their tendency always to turn up when expected, to do so without complaint and to carry on with a job until it’s finished. I think it’s a tremendous thing that they do.” 

Celebrity Armed Forces Day Messages

BFBS, the Forces Station even managed to get some messages of support from a few celebrities like Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman, presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, former sprint and hurdling athlete Colin Jackson CBE and former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman MBE.

Len Goodman | Strictly Come Dancing Judge 

“I’m giving a little shoutout to all of our Armed Forces. I think you do the most wonderful things. You’re the most marvelous people and I’m going to give you something that I rarely give. You’re having a ten from Len.” 

Radzi Chinyanganya | Presenter and broadcaster 

“My Grandad lost his leg in the Second World War serving in the military, serving his country. I wear my Black Watch tartan because my Grandad fought for the Black Watch and so I’ve got nothing but an incredible amount of respect for people in the military, for what you guys do so thank you. I think at the other end of the spectrum, the other end of the contribution to society we have some men who serve the country and others who hold a microphone for a living and do very little and occasionally make people laugh and that’s what I do so yes, you guys are absolutely genuine heroes so thank you.” 

Colin Jackson CBE | Former sprint and hurdling athlete 

“To everybody in the forces across this wonderful planet of ours – keep up the good work, keep up your good spirits. We’re always very proud of everything that you do for us and you represent us in the best way possible. So, keep your spirits high and we’re all looking forward to welcoming you back home when you can.” 

David Seaman MBE | Former England and Arsenal goalkeeper 

“Hi, I’m David Seaman. I hope everybody has a great Armed Forces Day.” 

Cover Image: © Crown Copyright 2013 / A soldier of 16 Medical Regiment waving the Armed Forces Day flag to show their support