Is your husband or wife serving in the armed forces? Did your granddad do national service long before you were born? Do you remember when your aunt told you about the years she spent in the armed forces and how she was injured defending her country? Do you have a friend, colleague, relative or neighbour in the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Airforce?
If you do then put a very special date in your diary – Saturday 26 June 2010 – Armed Forces Day.
This is the second year that a national Armed Forces Day has been held to honour the outstanding contribution made to society by forces personnel and by veterans of all ages. It is a chance to pay tribute and show support and recognition to the men and women, past and present, who have served their country.
This year there will be a flag raising ceremony at the Place De Saint Germain En Laye adjacent to the County Buildings in Ayr then members of our forces will march through the town to the Wallace Tower in Ayr.
South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan will play an integral part in Armed Forces Day, presenting a new banner to The Royal Regiment of Scotland that will be carried by The Royal Regiment of Scotland 2 Scots that they will display on their bagpipes. An official salute will be taken at the Wallace Tower before the parade marches through the town and dismisses in Wellington Square, Ayr.
Provost Sloan said: "Members of our armed forces serve our country in all parts of the world, helping others to exist more peacefully, defending vulnerable people and helping to establish peace in troubled areas.
"I am very proud of those who are presently serving the country and appreciate the sacrifices that they and their families make to protect the values that we all hold so dear to us.
"As the Council's Veterans' Champion I know how important it is that we look after men and women who have previously been in the armed forces. We must never forget their contribution.
"I would encourage people to come to Ayr on Saturday 26 June and take part in Armed Forces Day and show your support for our brave men and women and their families."
There will be lots of places to go and see the colourful spectacle of the parade:
10.15 am Guests and armed forces assemble at flag pole at end of gardens in Place De Saint Germain en Laye
10.30 am Flag raising ceremony and inspection of ranks.
10.55 am Parade will move off along Pavilion Road, Wellington Square, Barns Street, Dalblair Road, Alloway Street to Wallace Tower in Ayr High Street
11.20 am Wallace Tower, High Street – presentation of Ceremonial Pipe Banner by Provost Winifred Sloan. Lord Lieutenant will take the salute
11.40 pm Parade will then continue down the High Street and up the Sandgate.
Parade will dismiss in Wellington Square