More than 200 events were held across the country on Saturday to honour Britain’s Forces.
The Queen took part in events in Edinburgh where she will give campaign medals to the Royal Scots Dragoons Guards.
At Chatham in Kent, 450 veterans and 200 active military personnel took part in a parade led by the Royal Marines band.
In a statement, Dr Rowan Williams expressed his “deep” appreciation for the professionalism and responsibility demonstrated by the Forces, as well as their courage in the field.
Armed Forces Day was, he said, “an opportunity to give thanks for all those who have served their country in past conflicts, for their sacrifice and example”.
He went on to express his regret at the human toll of war, however.
“Recent years have brought home to all of us the tragic costs of war, in a way most of us have not experienced before or have not experienced for very many years,” he said.
“We ask our service personnel to carry a huge load on our behalf – not only in the physical risks they run, but also in the making of almost impossibly difficult and sensitive operational decisions.
“We know how high the human costs are, and how much we owe to those who live daily with such costs.”
The Archbishop concluded by reminding Christians of the need to pray for people in the Forces.
He said. “As we continue to pray for the peace that God wills for his creation, we pray also for all currently serving in the Forces and for their families – for inner strength, and for commitment to a vision of justice and stability in the world which will sustain them in their labours.”
