A ROYAL Navy surgeon has spoken about the importance of remembering military service personnel on Armed Forces Day.

Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth James, from Newick, says the day is vital to raise awareness of the issues faced by those serving their country.

She has served as a doctor in the Navy for the past ten years, and will be marking the day tomorrow.

There are events set to take place across Sussex, including at Ovingdean on Sunday from 10.30am to 3pm.

But a recent poll revealed that nearly one in five people do not support military charities.

Ms James says the public often does not know how much support the military needs.

She said: “I’ve found myself facing questions about why we need doctors in the military when we aren’t in active conflict – but people forget that there are over 190,000 people in the military at any given time, as well as their families.

“The Navy and other forces are permanently deploying all over the world, both on land in support of UN missions and at sea.

“They rely on good medical care, and ready support for when we are back in conflict, and that’s what the medical and nursing services are there for.

“It’s wonderful to be celebrated during Armed Forces Week, but to be understood and appreciated all year round would mean even more.

“That way, we would feel confident that we have the support of the public whilst we work to protect our country.”

Armed Forces week has been supported by Blind Veterans, which runs a rehabilitation centre at Ovingdean.

There will be military performances and parades, stalls, stands and exhibitions, military and classic vehicles, and activities for children.

Meanwhile the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) has also issued its support across Sussex.

The service has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, to support veterans and their families.

In Horsham, the Royal British Legion has supported the district council to support the event on Sunday at the Carfax from 10.30am to 3pm.

There will be two days of activities this weekend in Worthing at Steyne Gardens, with parades, military vehicles and a flypast on Saturday from 10am and 2pm, and more parades on Sunday.

At Crawley there will be cadets and veterans at the Civic Hall in the Boulevard on Saturday.

Visit armedforcesday.org.uk to find out more about events and times.