Armed Forces Day is observed in the UK every June 27 and honors the men and women who serve or have served in the British Armed Forces. The holiday was first celebrated on June 27, 2006, originally as Veterans' Day, chosen to follow the anniversary of the first investiture of the Victoria Cross in 1857. In 2009, it was renamed Armed Forces Day to recognize the contributions of both current and former service members. Although it is not a public holiday, it is an official observance marked by various events across the country, with a main celebration held in a different host city each year. Past host cities have included Chatham, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. Celebrations typically feature military displays, stage performances, and fireworks, although events in Northern Ireland may face criticism from nationalist groups.