THE Red Arrows left a trail of red, white and blue over the Council House to mark the start of Armed Forces Day.
Thousands of people were in Nottingham on Saturday to thank the military and recognise the sacrifices they make.
Veterans wore their medals with pride, youngsters enthusiastically waved Union Jack flags and military personnel paraded through the streets.
The Old Market Square was alive with spectators as the parade stepped off from Nottingham Castle.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were there to represent the Queen and the Duke praised the forces and the city of Nottingham. He said: "Congratulations for the turn out and your ability to show the nation what you are. The support and sacrifice is alive and well in this city."
They met with members of the public including 74-year-old Mary Buttle, of Rise Park, who spoke to the Duchess.
She said: "It was really lovely to meet her. The atmosphere today is fantastic and it shows good support for the Armed Forces in Nottingham."
Warrant officer 1 Dickie Henderson, of the Royal Navy state ceremonial team, said: "It's all about the public showing their support for the Armed Forces, but likewise the forces showing their support to the public and saying thank you."
People were hanging out of windows and standing up on high ledges to see the spectacle as the parade arrived in the Old Market Square.
Second World War veteran Michael Murry, 91, of Bestwood Park, was moved by the parade.
He said: "It's very touching, it's lovely. To see everybody here supporting the troops. It's been excellent."
Fellow veteran Aubrey Sales, 89, who was in the Royal Navy, thought the whole day reflected well on the city.
He said: "It was marvellous. Today I feel proud to be a member of the forces and to be representing Nottingham."
Down at the Victoria Embankment there was a party atmosphere with live music, people enjoying picnics on the grass, and the chance for children, and their families, to get into military vehicles.
Nottingham City Council was represented at Armed Forces Day by the Lord Mayor Councillor Merlita Bryan. Councillor David Trimble, the city's portfolio holder for leisure and culture, also attended. He said: "Nottingham is indeed proud and delighted to be leading the national celebration for this year's Armed Forces Day.
"It provides a fantastic opportunity for the people of Nottingham and the rest of the country to thank the military personnel for all of the sacrifices they make for each and every one of us."
The leader of the city council, Councillor Jon Collins, did not attend. The council said Mr Collins had been at other events in the days running up to Armed Forces Day and he was supportive of the event. However, the chairman of the Wollaton branch of the Royal British Legion, John Gordon, said Mr Collins should have been present. "It was a superb national event and a very proud moment for all of our armed forces past and present," he said.
The council estimated more than 100,000 people attended what was a memorable day.
Visitors were treated to marching bands, historic and modern military displays.
A vast array of equipment, including helicopters, tanks, a Typhoon jet, jeeps, boats, and weapons systems were on show.
Thousands of service personnel staffed stands, stalls and equipment to help children on and off their vehicles, as well as explain their roles in the armed forces. And then there were the fly-pasts.
Friends Melanie Croft, 50 and Jackie Douglass, 36, both from Burton Joyce, were enjoying a fly-past by a Spitfire.
Jackie said: "They need to do more events like this so the young ones can be reminded of all they do for us."
Melanie added: "It's been a fabulous day."
