In The Footsteps of our Forces launches for Armed Forces Week

We are delighted to announce the launch of a country-wide celebration of our service personnel in conjunction with this years Armed Forces Week (21 – 27 June).

CWGC has come together with the National Museum of the Royal Navy, National Army Museum and Royal Air Force Museum to host a virtual walk event – In the Footsteps of Our Forces – a chance to reflect on and celebrate the role of our Armed Forces today and in the past.

The virtual walk will kick off on Monday 21 June, Armed Forces Week, and will end on Sunday 4 July.

The public will have two weeks to complete their chosen distance of either 5, 15 or 25K. They will also be able to download one of the suggested routes which will take then around museums, war graves, memorials, historical sites and places of remembrance.

All of those who complete the walk will be awarded a commemorative medal to mark their achievement.

Entry for the In the Footsteps of Our Forces walk is £18 (£15 Armed Forces discount) and the money will go towards the three museums, and the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, which are all registered charities.

Click here to find out more about signing up.

Suggested routes include around historic Hendon, the home of the RAF Museum or through the streets of military Chelsea, the home of the National Army Museum. You can explore the historic docks of the Navy in Portsmouth or use the War Graves app to discover the Commonwealth war graves and memorials on your doorstep. 

Claire Horton, Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission says: “This walking challenge is a fantastic opportunity to get people out and exploring the war graves and memorials in their local areas and to connect those with the stories of historic and modern service personnel told at our partner museums. Working together in this way helps us all to illustrate the evocative, inspiring and poignant stories we all seek to highlight throughout our work.”

Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said: “Our Service Museums and the CWGC do vital work in keeping the story of our Armed Forces and their sacrifice alive for future generations. I hope that during this Armed Forces Week, service personnel and members of the public can reflect upon their incredible contribution through this endeavour.”