Armed Forces Week 2020 is our opportunity to thank all those who serve our country

Damien Moore MP is urging residents in Southport to support Armed Forces Week 2020, which begins on Monday 22 June.

Mr Moore has attended the annual Armed Forces Day parade in Southport in recent years, enjoying the opportunity to meet and thank local veterans of all ages for their service.

The MP signed up to become a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, after being inspired by Southport’s veterans.

Two years ago he attended the Defence Academy for his induction into the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. The AFPS was created in 1987 to give Members of Parliament a taste of military life and has since expanded to include peers and MEPs.

Damien Moore said: “We owe so much to our Armed Forces. Normally at this time of year we would be enjoying attending the Southport Armed Forces Day celebration on Lord Street. Sadly, the event had to be postponed this year due to the Coronavirus outbreak but I hope to see it return next year.

“It is usually a great time to speak with both serving Armed Forces personnel, cadets and veterans who have served in conflicts ranging from World War Two, to the Falklands War and the Iraq conflict.

“They are incredibly proud to serve their country and Armed Forces Week is a time when we can all show them the recognition they so richly deserve.”

Armed Forces Week 2020 begins on Monday 22 June, culminating with Armed Forces Day on 27 June. Each day of the week has a specific theme.

• Monday: launch and Global Armed Forces
• Tuesday: Innovation
• Wednesday: Reserves Day
• Thursday: Veterans
• Friday: Cadets

While celebrations and events have now become virtual, there are still plenty of ways you can show your support for the Reservists, Veterans, Service Families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers within your organisations.

How to get involved

Take on the virtual 13 Bridges Challenge and walk 10 miles throughout Armed Forces Week.

SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Walk was going to be London’s premier event for Armed Forces Day and an opportunity for companies and individuals to show their support for our Armed Forces while raising funds for SSAFA, the UK Armed Forces charity.

Due to the circumstances around Covid-19 we are going virtual! Taking part is easy, simply register (this link takes you to the GivePenny website, and a fundraising page will be set up for you!)

This event was originally meant to showcase the bridges of London and the amazing work our armed forces do, so why not use your walk to showcase the bridges in your local area or pay your respects by walking to your local war memorial, base or landmark.

Reservists, wear your uniform at home or to ‘work’ on 24 June.

While the office seems like a distant memory and many of us are still working from home, on 24 June celebrate Reserves Day and wear your uniform at home or to ‘work’. Take selfies from your home office or while video conferencing with your colleagues! Remember use the hashtag #SaluteOurForces in your social media posts.

Join Commander of the Maritime Reserves, Mel Robinson for a Reserves Day virtual update

You are invited to join a 30 minute update this Reserves Day, 24 June, from 11.30am to 12pm on Zoom. As well as a thank you to all the supportive employers, this is an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive a real time update from the Royal Navy Reserve. The meeting will be open to all members of the Maritime Reserves and Employers. View the Reserves Day update for employers with the Commander of the Maritime Reserves.

Take part in the very first DRM/SSAFA Armed Forces Week Quiz on 25 June

This year Defence Relationship Management is joining forces with SSAFA to deliver a virtual Armed Forces Week Quiz!

SSAFA’s excellent team of volunteers and staff have been working harder than ever during the Covid-19 crisis to continue providing support to the armed forces community. Now is your opportunity to give back to SSAFA by taking part in the virtual Armed Forces Week quiz. At 4.30pm on 25 June our Armed Forces Covenant community are encouraged to get involved! It’s free to take part! Register on the SSAFA website.