'Days like this are about raising that awareness with the public. We are still here, we are still existing, and we're still keeping you safe,' the veteran said
Former Royal Marines Commando Aldo Kane has hailed Armed Forces Day as a remedy for the “forgotten” veteran crisis gripping Britain’s former servicemen.
Speaking to GB News, the former Royal Marines sniper said the annual event is an opportunity not only to honour those who have served, but also to recognise the sacrifices made by veterans long after they have left military life.
“Days like this are about raising that awareness with the public – we are still here, we are still existing, and we're still keeping you safe,” Mr Kane told Charlie Peters at celebrations in Aldershot.
The former Commando sniper added that the day should be about far more than reflecting on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflict.
“It's remembering those that have fallen, but also those that are still alive and that are still with their own struggles,” he said.
“But it doesn't just stop there. Once they do get to the end of their service, they often feel like they're forgotten about.
“Essentially, everyone who is serving their country and doing the most dangerous of jobs often they do feel forgotten.
“And when they come back, they feel forgotten,” Mr Kane stressed.
Reflecting on his own military career as a Royal Marines Commando sniper, Kane rejected the perception that specialist military roles do not prepare people for civilian life.
“When you dig down one layer from being a sniper, there are so many transferable skills,” he explained.
Mr Kane argued that British businesses were overlooking a valuable source of talent by failing to make greater use of former service personnel.
“It's an untapped source for businesses, organisations and corporations is that when people leave the service.
“They have an incredibly unique skill set that can almost be turned to any endeavour.”
The former Marine also contrasted Britain's approach to supporting veterans with the culture he has witnessed in the United States.
“If you travel through America and you travel through an airport lounge, there will be tannoy announcements saying, 'Any armed forces people that are transitioning through here, come and use the lounge,'” he said.
Mr Kane's comments come as communities across the UK celebrate Armed Forces Day.
Events are taking place to recognise the contributions of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families, and to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
In Aldershot, past, present and future representatives of all three branches of the military marched alongside brass bands.
The servicemen, veterans and cadets received a salute from Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton as they progressed.