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 Join the campaign to bring our troops home from Afghanistan.
1pm - 3pm Market St. Saturday 27th June.
Armed Forces Day is Gordons Brown's belated offering of support for the sacrifice British Troops have made in Iraq - and in previous wars. For Brown it is an attempt  to win legitimacy and support for yet another unpopular war. Councils across Britain have organised events and celelebrations. Manchester City of Peace has organised a 'Big Manchester Thank You' to honour the outstanding contribution made by current members of the Armed Forces and by veterans of all ages.' In Piccadilly Gardens & Exchange Square there will be military bands, fitness sessions, and the new armed forces day flag will be flown from the Town Hall. Local businesses are offering freebees and discounts.
For many of our armed forces and veterans, and for their families, Armed Forces Day is recognition of the loved ones lost and sacrifices made. Opponent of the Iraq war Reg Keys, whose son Thomas was killed in Iraq in June 2003, said, "The government keeps telling us how proud they are of our armed forces - now let them show it".Some of Labour's own supporters are sceptical warning that the day could be seen as a 'State-sponsored military jamboree, a throwback to a time when British imperialism was a fact, not just a dirty word' "Stop the War wants real care for veterans," said Nahella Ashraf, chair of the Coalition in Greater Manchester. "Rather than free cinema tickets what about giving our troops the right equipment before being sent to a war zone Instead of a new flag what about special hospitals and proper health provision for troops suffering PTSD and other psychological problems due to the war. Cheap weekend hotel deals for veterans are on offer, but that is no use to the ex-army people who find themselves homeless and in need of support from charities like Shelter. "Real concern for the armed forces would mean providing proper after care, and not misusing military peoples' trust by sending them to futile and unjust wars that have nothing to do with defending Britain." On Armed Forces Day 27th June, 1pm - 3pm Market St. Stop the War in Greater Manchester will be flying Peace Flags, we will run campaign stalls, petitioning for Troops Out of Afghanistan. Why not join us?
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About Stop the War 
