The annual event takes place on the last Saturday in June to show support for all the men and women in the Armed Forces community, from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

Blind Veterans UK normally hosts a celebration at its rehabilitation and training centre in Ovingdean, but the event is one of many across Sussex to have been cancelled because of the pandemic.

Brighton and Hove City Council has thanked army colleagues for their support in providing weekly Personal Protective Equipment supplies to use in care and health services in the city. 

The council has also encouraged supporters to send a message of appreciation to anyone they know in the Armed Forces community.

It’s fantastic that ⁦@Keir_Starmer⁩ has relaunched ‘Labour Friends of the Forces’.

My dad served our country in the military and I’ve learned so much from the Armed Services Parliamentary Scheme.

On #ArmedForcesDay2020, thank you to all who serve https://t.co/cYyGwCzEzh

— Peter Kyle MP (@peterkyle) June 27, 2020

Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, the Armed Forces champion for Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Like many events this year, it’s a shame that celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day have been cancelled.

“However, it’s still a chance to show our support and appreciation for our Armed Forces – please do join in online if you can.

“I’d also like to pass on thanks to army colleagues on behalf of the city grateful for their extremely responsive and supportive approach in helping us our response to Covid-19.”