The Territorial Army is celebrating its centenary with a pageant, re-enactments and a march along The Mall in London.
The Territorial Army has celebrated its centenary with a pageant, re-enactments and a march along The Mall in London.
But the event comes as three TA members were killed this week in Afghanistan.
But the event was tinged by sadness over the loss of three TA members who were killed this week in Afghanistan.
The TA is commemorating its achievements over the past 100 years at the event being staged in Horse Guards Parade in London.
The TA commemorated its achievements over the past 100 years at the event in Horse Guards Parade in London.
The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Earl of Wessex have joined some 6,000 spectators to mark the reserve force's history.
The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Earl of Wessex joined some 6,000 spectators to mark the reserve force's history.
'Risk is high'
'Risk is high'
Armed Forces minister Bob Ainsworth, who is at the event, said: "Without the support of their families, friends, and employers, the distinguished role the TA has played over 100 years would not be possible."
Armed Forces minister Bob Ainsworth, who attended the event, said: "Without the support of their families, friends, and employers, the distinguished role the TA has played over 100 years would not be possible."
SAS reservists Corporal Sean Robert Reeve, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Paul Stout died on Tuesday along with regular soldier Corporal Sarah Bryant - the first British woman to be killed on active service in Afghanistan.
SAS reservists Corporal Sean Robert Reeve, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Paul Stout died on Tuesday along with regular soldier Corporal Sarah Bryant - the first British woman to be killed on active service in Afghanistan.
A senior officer in the Territorial Army, Brigadier Greg Smith, told the BBC that any loss was a shock but that the Territorial Army was "an army".
A senior officer in the Territorial Army, Brigadier Greg Smith, told the BBC that any loss was a shock but that the Territorial Army was "an army".
The event included a number of World War II vehicles
The event included a number of World War II vehicles
"And throughout our existence, on an operation, of course, you are always there with the knowledge that the risk is high of taking casualties, and ultimately some people pay the sacrifice," he said.
"And throughout our existence, on an operation, of course, you are always there with the knowledge that the risk is high of taking casualties, and ultimately some people pay the sacrifice," he said.
Chief of the General Staff General Sir Richard Dannatt, also a guest at the event, said he "saluted" every TA man and woman.
Chief of the General Staff General Sir Richard Dannatt, also a guest at the event, said he "saluted" every TA man and woman.
"Nearly 15,000 territorials have served in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside the regular Army since the start of the current campaigns.
"Nearly 15,000 territorials have served in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside the regular Army since the start of the current campaigns.
"And it is a sombre thought that in that time, 11 Territorial Army soldiers have lost their lives."
"And it is a sad fact that in this time 11 Territorial Army soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives - three this week in Helmand."
Sir Richard said the task at hand remains.
"But with their memory and sacrifice very much in mind the work nevertheless goes on."
Lance Corporal Darren Dixon, a bus driver from Edinburgh, said that despite the dangers, being part of the TA could be extremely fulfilling:
Lance Corporal Darren Dixon, a bus driver from Edinburgh, said that despite the dangers, being part of the TA could be extremely fulfilling:
"There was the sense of adventure - the camaraderie - amongst the TA chaps, so I volunteered myself to go to Iraq and found myself in a bit more action than I thought I would be.
"There was the sense of adventure - the camaraderie - amongst the TA chaps, so I volunteered myself to go to Iraq and found myself in a bit more action than I thought I would be.
"I think it's natural for anyone to be worried about going to a war zone but if you have the inclination to join in the first place there's the sense of camaraderie there that will get you through it, and the training is second to none."
"I think it's natural for anyone to be worried about going to a war zone but if you have the inclination to join in the first place there's the sense of camaraderie there that will get you through it, and the training is second to none."
The ceremony includes a march past St James Palace, where Prince Charles will receive the royal salute.
The ceremony included a march past St James Palace, where Prince Charles received the royal salute.
The prince will then host a reception at the royal residence for serving and past reservists, representatives from Cadets Associations and employers whose staff serve in the TA.
The prince is hosting a reception at the royal residence for serving and past reservists, representatives from Cadets Associations and employers whose staff serve in the TA.
Are you or have you been in the Territorial Army? Were you involved in today's commemorations? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Are you or have you been in the Territorial Army? Were you involved in today's commemorations? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
