Portsmouth commemorates start of Armed Forces Week with virtual celebration
EVENTS planned to commemorate the hard work of our heroes in the armed forces are being reimagined digitally this week.
This week is Armed Forces Week, which celebrates the work done by all branches of the armed forces, both here on home soil and on operations abroad.
In Portsmouth, a whole array of events had been organised by the city council and Royal Navy, culminating in a grand Armed Forces Day celebration on Saturday, June 27.
Sadly, due to the coronavirus outbreak, these events will not be taking place – at least, not in their intended form.
Now, organisers are instead reinventing these events to take place online.
The first of these – a ceremonial flag raising in Guildhall Square – was instead posted online using footage from last year’s event.
A virtual quiz and a specially commissioned interview 96 year-old Second World War veteran Peter Chamberlain will follow later in the week.
Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Rob Wood, said: ‘I'm thrilled to be taking part in the commemorations for Armed Forces Week alongside Commodore Jeremy Bailey.
‘Our city's rich naval history and close relationship with the Royal Navy means the council is particularly proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
‘Now more than ever, it is vital we show our support for the armed forces community and to make sure they can easily access the support that they need.’
At 4.30pm today, a digital quiz will be held by armed forces charity SSAFA, with a virtual tea dance on June 27.