AN RAF Spitfire roared over Gloucester to mark Armed Forces Day today.
Hundreds lined the streets as servicemen, veterans, reservists and cadets marched through the city after a drum head service took place at College Green.
They marched to Gloucester Docks where there are stands and displays from military and cadet units and charities and performances from theatre groups, which continue until 4pm.
Supporters enjoyed a Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft of the Royal Air Force's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast.
Major Mike Barry, of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, took part in the march.
"It is great to have public support after 20 years of high operational tempo, especially in Gloucester, my hometown."
David Cleal, of the 28th and 61st Gloucestershire Regiments, added: "It is an important day and it has been brilliant.
"It raises awareness of our armed forces and a great day for everybody to come together."
As part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations, the charity Soldiers Sailors and Airmens Families Association (SSAFA) signed up to the Military Community Covenant.
The covenant is a voluntary statement encouraging support for the armed forces community living and working in Gloucestershire.
SSAFA's signature has joined an already extensive list of organisations who have previously committed their support for military in the region, including all local authorities and the Royal British Legion.
Cllr Shaun Parsons, armed forces community covenant champion for Gloucestershire County Council said, "As a former reservist and the proud parent of a serving soldier, I'm delighted to support the Gloucestershire's Armed Forces Community Covenant.
"We need to recognise and support all levels of the armed forces, including those who are making the transition back into their local communities, the veterans who have retired and those that still serving.
"All of the armed forces make sacrifices for the community they serve everyday, so I think it's important that we support those in our neighbourhoods whenever we can."
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of GCC added: "Gloucestershire's service personnel and their families are a key part of our community and we believe that the military covenant is a vital tool which ensures they don't lose out on things that some of us may take for granted.
"Gloucestershire County Council is proud to support our armed forces and we're very grateful for the sacrifices our servicemen and women."
