Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is regularly challenged by pacifist and anti-war groups. The Peace Pledge Union described the introduction of Armed Forces Day in 2009 as an example of "everyday militarism" through which military attitudes and organisations become more involved in civilian life. There have been protests and vigils against Armed Forces Day in various towns and cities. In 2018, the Peace Pledge Union claimed there were protests in more places than at any time since Armed Forces Day was introduced in the UK in 2009. There has been particular criticism of the involvement of children in Armed Forces Day events, with some objecting to situations in which small children are invited to handle real weapons.