Armed Services Day XIII
We are pleased to confirm that our Sky Bet League One tie against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, 18 March will be our designated Armed Services Day fixture, sponsored by Babcock International Group.
As the club that proudly represents Plymouth and its distinguished military tradition, we are honoured to be able to pay tribute to all service personnel who serve to keep us safe and protect our freedoms.
Armed Services Day made a buoyant return to the Theatre of Greens for the 1-0 victory over Oxford United last season after a Covid-19 enforced break, and the 22/23 edition will be another opportunity to celebrate the efforts of armed services personnel, as well as their families.
A full itinerary of activities and participating organisations will be revealed nearer to the fixture, with a schedule of Services-themed activities due to take place throughout match-day.
This year coincides with the 80-year anniversary of World War II Operation Chastise, known in popular culture as the Dambusters Raid. Closer to home, this year's Armed Services Day also marks the 80th anniversary of the RAF St Mawgan base in Newquay, Cornwall.
To mark the occasion, there will be a special Royal Air Force presence as part of Armed Services Day XIII, with the event headlined by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
Drum Major Flight Sergeant, Andrew Taylor, representing the Band, said: “It is an honour for the Band to be involved in the Armed Services Day event, in the year of HM King Charles III’s Coronation.
“In a year where we get to honour other major events such as the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters, to be a serving member of the RAF is a huge source of pride and privilege to us all.
“On a personal note, Armed Services Day is a wonderful event to be part of, not only as a member of RAF Music Services, but as a Cornishman, to be supporting events at Argyle is a great pleasure, especially given the phenomenal season they are having.”
The Band was established in 1920, and in 1922 became the first military band to broadcast on the BBC. Today, the Band is still the most frequently featured military band on air.
The Band were also the first ensemble outside the United States of America to be awarded the John Philip Sousa Citation for Musical Excellence, recognising their reputation for the highest standards of performance. John Philip Sousa’s name is perhaps best known to non-military members of the Green Army for composing the anthem the Greens walk out to, Semper Fidelis.
Argyle Club Secretary Zac Newton, a Royal Navy veteran who used to help organise Armed Services Day in his role at HMS Drake, said: “We are very pleased to mark the combined Armed Services' contribution to our city with our annual fixture.
“Armed Services Day has become a highlight of the fixture calendar for everyone associated with Argyle, and we look forward to welcoming numerous Armed Services bodies and associated members to the club for a day of celebration.”
