LIVERPOOL, June 24 (Xinhua) -- British Prime minister Theresa May and top military brass were in Liverpool Saturday to lead the nation in paying tribute to Britain's servicemen and women on National Armed Forces Day.
The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, represented Queen Elizabeth. Soldiers from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and military veterans took part in a day of events which started with a gun salute at Liverpool's historic Pier Head waterfront where the Royal Navy's type-23 frigate warship, HMS Iron Duke, was docked.
Military villages were created in Liverpool to host public displays, including warplanes, helicopters, diving tanks, inflatable boats, tanks, a field hospital, simulators and marching military bands.
Around Britain, a record of events took place, including parades, military displays and community fetes.
"Our world-leading Armed Forces work day and night to defend our country and our way of life, both at home and abroad," May said in Liverpool.
"In the aftermath of the Manchester attack, military personnel played a vital role on British streets, providing visible reassurance. And further afield they continue to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria, helping to drive the terrorists back and give ordinary people in those countries the chance to rebuild their lives."
Local media reported that May was booed and heckled in Liverpool, a Labour stronghold city as she was escorted by Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson.
Defense Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, also in Liverpool, said: "Today is a valuable opportunity to give something back to the Armed Forces community, which works so hard to keep us safe each and every day."
British armed forces are currently involved in over 20 operations in some 25 countries.
