WATCH: Salute for fallen at Armed Forces Day across the Black Country

The annual Armed Forces Day commemorations allowed people to show their support and pay tribute to serving troops, veterans, cadets and their families.

Since its inception in 2006, then named Veterans' Day, the annual event has received widespread support from the public and this year was no different as people gathered to mark a special day of unity.

In Wolverhampton a parade was held through the city centre of regular, reserve, veteran and cadet forces led by the Pipe Band of the West Midlands Fire Service.

A total of 30 veterans attended the parade which marched from Wulfruna Street to St Peter's Square.

The day was a special one for veteran Fred Bunce, a Leading Electrician's Mate in the Royal Navy during the Korean War conflict, who was the Veterans' Parade Marshall on the day.

The 86-year-old from Penn said: "Today was a lovely day – it could not have gone any better. It was all we wished for.

"To see so many people turning up and supporting the Armed Forces just shows how much respect is there for their bravery and commitment.

"Having a day like this to show respect for the Armed Forces is very important.

"Seeing all the veterans here today made the day so special."

Another veteran John Lewis also attended the event in Wolverhampton.

Mr Lewis, 67, from Codsall served in the Army for more than 11 years between 1966 and 1977 and said the service meant an awful lot to him.

"The parade went really well and I was so pleased with the turnout.

"Armed Forces Day is so important because it brings people of all ages together and reflects on what young and old servicemen have done for the country.

"I had eleven great years in the army but I feel for our young soldiers today who have it much harder than we did. They have to fight more wars and conflicts than we did."

Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Ian Brookfield, who was involved in the parade, paid tribute to all those who made the day so special.

"Today was a fantastic day with everyone involved doing the city proud," he said.

"This event is all about the people with many volunteers going out their way to organise a lovely day.

"Events like this don't just happen like that. They take hard work and dedication from volunteers and council workers like we have seen today who all deserve enormous praise."

Among the biggest celebrations of the weekend was Sunday's event at Himley Hall and Park. The event, which ran from 11am to 5pm, included a presentation of the HM Armed Forces Veterans' Badge by the Mayor of Dudley Councillor Steve Waltho to veterans living in the borough.

Other activities included a youth marching band competition, a display of historic military vehicles and children's entertainment including a zip line. There was also a big event in Oldbury with a parade and medal ceremony with the Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Barbara Price carrying out the presentation.

At RAF Cosford there was a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota to mark the celebrations.

And at the RAF Museum, Cosford veterans enjoyed a day of activities, including a lunch where they will have the rare opportunity of dining amongst the aircraft and artefacts in Hangar 1. The Jays, a 1940s singing quintet, resurrected the hits of The Andrews Sisters and The Glenn Miller Orchestra. A 1940s family fun day was held at Pelsall Common on Saturday which featured stallholders, a field hospital, military vehicles and re-enactments, fairground rides, singers, musicians and children's wartime games and refreshments.

The country's biggest event was held in Guildford which saw 60,000 people attend alongside hundreds of armed forces personnel, veterans and cadets.

For more information about the day visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk