Today marks the third annual Veterans Day since the Labour Government established the occasion in 2006.

The popularity of the day in our national calendar has grown a great deal since then and all across the UK communities will be united in saying “thank you” to the brave men and women who protect the security of our country.

Des Browne, Labour’s Defence Secretary, said: “I truly believe that our Armed Forces are the best in the world. I have seen them at work in various operational theatres and here in the UK and am always moved afresh by their outstanding professionalism.”

Labour is committed to supporting veterans of all ages who have served Britain so well. The Labour Government was the first government to appoint a Minister for Veterans Affairs and we have invested more money than ever in veterans’ issues. Since we established the Veterans Badge in 2004 the Labour Government has issued nearly 600,000 of them – and we intend to issue the badge to all service veterans. In 2007, a badge was introduced for Bevin Boys – with over 4,000 issued so far.

The current Armed Forces, like their predecessors, continue to do difficult jobs in incredibly demanding and dangerous circumstances.

Their courage, resolution and skill are matched only by those that have gone before them and we recognise those people today.