And the thousands who took part in an unforgettable day of events on the Golden Mile - including the Duchess of Cornwall - paid tribute to the resort.

Veterans Minister Derek Twigg said: "Look at the turnout here - the day has been exceptional.

"Blackpool should be very proud, the resort has hit every button and totally justified being chosen for this year's Veterans Day."

Full coverage of Veterans' Week events

An estimated 10,000 people - many proudly waving Union Jacks - took to the Promenade as the Duchess arrived to officially launch National Veterans Day 2008.

She presented a Veterans badge to former paratrooper Tony Barlow who abseiled down The Tower, before a march by 12 Regiment Royal Artillery - the regiment who have the Freedom of Blackpool.

Mr Barlow, who is now a St Annes firefighter, said: "It was good to see all the people here and recognise Veterans Day and the occasion it's for. Let's hope every veteran realises people out there are thinking of them.

"Going down the Tower was more nerve wracking than meeting Camilla, she was a lovely, lovely woman.

"I'm really pleased she has come all this way to support the cause. She asked if I suffered from vertigo and said I looked too young to be a veteran."

Sgt Christopher Bracegirdle, a 34-year-old member of the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery from Marton, said: "It really has been a momentous day for everyone involved.

"I am here with my whole family and they have loved it. It's great to be a part of."

The Duchess then hopped on board a tram - fittingly named The Duchess of Cornwall - which took her to North Pier where she met scores of former servicemen and women, including 112-year-old First World War veteran Henry Allingham.

At the Cenotaph she watched a stunning flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, including the iconic Spitfire fighter, before a special service officially opened the new Choir Loft memorial.

Former BBC war correspondent Martin Bell gave a reading and children from Rossall School sang Land of Hope and Glory.

Mr Bell, himself a National Service veteran, said: "What a fantastic occasion, it has been wonderful."

It was a view backed by all those in attendance.

Jim Houldsworth, chairman of the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee and the driving force behind this and the resort's three previous veterans weeks, was almost speechless with pride.

Finding his voice after shepherding the Duchess to the cenotaph and introducing her to the various ex-service groups, he said: "What a wonderful day this has been for Blackpool.

"It has emphasised the profile veterans now have in this country, how we appreciate the sacrifice they made, something Blackpool has done for many years and now the rest of the country is following suit.

"I'm delighted Blackpool has played its part in putting Veterans Day on the map and hopefully towards it being established as an important day in the calendar."

Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Mary Smith added: "This is a great day to honour our veterans, men and women, old and young who have given everything for the Queen and country. This is a marvellous occasion and one that not only Blackpool but the whole nation should be very proud of."

Gordon Marsden, Blackpool South MP, said: "Today is an absolutely fantastic occasion. Blackpool can be very proud of what it has achieved and it's good to see that so many groups and organisations have come together to honour this marvellous occasion."

Later in the day General Sir Michael Dannet, head of the UK's armed forces, took the salute from the parade of veterans from the Cenotpah.

It was followed by a night time parachute drop by the Red Devils and a stunning firework display to bring the day to a close.

Will you be taking part in Veterans Day? Have you enjoyed Veterans Week so far? Leave your comments below.