The organisers of this year’s Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day have issued a heartfelt thank you to the first set of sponsors – and are encouraging others to get on board.
Rouse, LM Plus Consulting, Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council have all made financial contributions to ensure the success of this year’s event, taking place in Ryde on Sunday 29th June – just 10 weeks’ time.
The funds provided by these sponsors, who are also signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, are crucial, directly supporting the attractions and infrastructure for the event.
Now, other businesses and organisations are being encouraged to get involved and lend their support to an event that attracted almost 10,000 attendees last year, making it the second most-attended single-day event on the Island, surpassed only by the Isle of Wight Festival.
Ian Dore, organiser, said:
“When organised on his scale, producing an exciting, dynamic and engaging event like Armed Forces Day comes with a price tag. In my view, this cost is justified by the benefit and value it brings to those the event supports.
“The Isle of Wight Armed Forces community numbers around 16,000 individuals, representing around 11 per cent of the Island’s population. Among them, there are around 7,200 veterans.
“As a not-for-profit event, its purpose is clear and fully justified. While there are obvious fringe benefits for attendees, at its core, it serves one primary purpose: to pay respects and say thanks to the Isle of Wight Armed Forces community for their commitment.”
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Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day is a chance for Islanders to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. From currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets, the popular event provides a much-valued morale boost for the troops and their families.
Meanwhile, its current location at Eastern Gardens provides the perfect opportunity to display land, sea and air attractions, along with all you’d expect at an Armed Forces Day.
Ian added:
“It’s one day a year to tip our hat to this amazing community, which on occasion, makes the ultimate sacrifice.
“We produce this event on a voluntary basis, free to attend, with something for everyone. Financial support is needed, and when an entity signs up to the Armed Forces Covenant, they are agreeing to ‘demonstrate commitment’. It’s there in black and white, and that commitment includes Armed Forces Day.
“When I spoke at the SERFCA awards last year, my speech focused on commitment—commitment others have made in the past, those in the present, and those that will be made in the future. Within the Armed Forces world, commitment is everything. Along with camaraderie and professionalism, it’s the glue that bonds us all together.
“This event can only happen with the commitment of others, and by signing on the dotted line, signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant make that commitment. To those who have put their best boots forward, a big salute to you.”
More information about Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day, including how businesses and organisations can show their support, is available on the event website: www.isleofwightarmedforcesday.co.uk.
Ian can also be contacted directly at [email protected].
It’s a shame the Government doesn’t sponsor it,
after all these are the people who have fought for
them.
Never forget Churchills famous saying
“Old men start wars and young men fight them”.
Our Government finds money for other causes when it suits
them, time to look after our veterans.
My father did not fight in WW2 for what’s going on
in Britain thesedays.
Shameful!