The United Kingdom does not have an official observance called 'Veterans Day.' The event that serves a similar purpose, honoring military personnel past and present, is known as Armed Forces Day. It is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of June.
The observance was first established in 2006 and was originally named 'Veterans' Day.' In 2009, the name was changed to Armed Forces Day to better reflect its inclusive scope, which encompasses currently serving troops, service families, cadets, and veterans. This event is distinct from Remembrance Day, held on November 11th, which is a more solemn occasion dedicated specifically to honoring armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
Therefore, the public recognition of veterans in the UK is primarily integrated into Armed Forces Day, a celebratory event for the entire military community. The commemoration of fallen service members is reserved for Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday. The use of the term 'Veterans Day' typically refers to the equivalent holiday observed on November 11th in the United States.
