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UK Holds Nationwide Clap on NHS's 72nd Anniversary

The UK marked the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the NHS with a nationwide clap on July 5.

The NHS was founded on July 5, 1948, by Aneurin Bevan, the then health minister, to provide free healthcare nationwide.

A statement on the NHS website said:

“The whole country is invited to come together at 5 pm to applaud all those who have been helping us through the pandemic and recognise the vital community connections that continue to support us all.

“Everybody will be encouraged to stop what they’re doing and join with others (following social distancing advice of course) in their streets or neighbourhoods to applaud not just the NHS and other key workers but all those who have volunteered or helped keep services and community networks going.”

RAF College Cranwell posted footage on Facebook of their officers clapping in a formation to spell out the letters N-H-S.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a statement thanking the NHS staff who treated him in hospital for COVID-19.

“I am proud to be once again clapping for our heroic NHS staff, alongside Anne-Marie Plas who launched this inspirational initiative. I am also celebrating today with staff from St Thomas’ Hospital who, quite simply, saved my life. As we mark seventy-two years of the NHS, I want to say how thankful I am of this world leading institution.” Credit: RAF College Cranwell via Storyful