Devon communities are marking Armed Forces Week 2026 by recognising the service and contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families across the county.
Armed Forces Week is a national opportunity for communities, organisations and public bodies to show their support for those who serve, or have served, along with their families.
As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that people who serve, or have served, are treated fairly and recognised for the important role they play in society, and we are proud to support the week.
We are proud to be able to share some personal stories from councillors and members with military backgrounds or family connections, highlighting the lasting impact of military service on public life and local communities.
Councillor Richard Keeling, who served in the RAF, shares what Armed Forces Day means to him:
“I’ve celebrated Armed Forces Day every year as a councillor, as a leader and as a mayor previously, and I think it’s so important that the community recognises what work the armed forces personnel do for us, keeping us safe.
“It’s very important that we recognise this because we’ve signed up to a covenant between ourselves and the Armed Forces where we can help those mainly resettle into the community after they’ve come out of the armed forces.”
British Army veteran, Councillor Mick Cockerham, also reflects on what the day represents:
“Being an Armed Forces veteran, it’s great that we recognize Armed Forces Day. It’s not just a calendar event; it’s a lifelong appreciation for it.
“Whenever you see the military or a veteran or a remembrance, you reflect on it and and try to encourage attendance. That will go a long way to sustaining our love for the military.”
Army veteran, Councillor Neil Stevens reflected on his time in the military, and his proudest and most nerve-wracking moment:
“I was a boy soldier and joined the army. I‘ve done three tours of Afghanistan and have been all over the world.
“My proudest and the most nervous moment was meeting The Queen who presented me with my QVRM medal, and of all the tours and everything I’ve ever done, that was my most nervous time.”
As part of the week’s events, Vice Chair Councillor Syed Jusef represented the council at the Exeter Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday 20 June, joining communities from across the county in recognising the contribution of serving personnel and veterans.
Councillor Jusef said:
“Armed Forces Day is a special opportunity to say thank you to our soldiers, veterans and their families.
“In Devon, we are proud of our Armed Forces community. People from many different backgrounds serve our country, and their dedication deserves our respect. We thank them for their service and their sacrifice.”
