Soldiers from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who saw some of the fiercest fighting in Afghanistan last summer during Operation Panther's Claw, helped launch Armed Forces Day 2010 at a homecoming parade through Cardiff today.

The city has been chosen to host the national event this year.

Armed Forces Day, on Saturday 26 June, is an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, including Service families, cadets, veterans and recruits.

Across the UK people are already making plans to support the day. Cardiff City Council are hosting the national event and are working on an action packed day of events.

Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Brian Griffiths, said: "Armed Forces Day 2010 promises to be a day to remember in Cardiff. The event will be a chance for us to show our support to the brave Service men and women, with past, present and future being honoured. Those who have lost their lives in conflict will also be remembered.

"It is fantastic for Cardiff and Wales as a whole to be given the opportunity to host the national event, and our aim is to have an Armed Forces Day that Cardiff, Wales and of course the UK can be proud of."

Brigadier Russ Wardle, head of the Army in Wales, said: "Cardiff has played host to numerous homecoming parades for returning troops and the response has always been fantastic.

"Armed Forces Day 2010 is another opportunity for people to show their support for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, and I have got no doubt that Cardiff will put on a great show as host for the national event.”

Further information on Armed Forces Day including ideas on you can get involved is at www.armedforcesday.org.uk.

People can also join the Armed Forces Day community on Facebook www.facebook.com/armedforcesday