Armed Forces Day takes place this Saturday but due to the current cororonavirus crisis this year’s event will mainly take place online.

From a virtual flag raising ceremony, to an online tea dance and an interview with a WWII veteran. There’s a variety of ways to take part from home.

Celebrations are planned throughout this week (from 22nd to 28th June) to highlight the enormous role played by the country’s service personnel.

Many of the tradional events have reimagined to make sure they can go ahead safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

This on Monday, a short film of the flag raising ceremony in Guildhall Square attended by Portsmouth’s Lord Mayor Cllr Rob Wood and the Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jeremy Bailey, was hosted on Portsmouth council’s Facebook and Twitter page.

Portsmouth's Lord Mayor Cllr Rob Wood & Naval Base Commander Commodore Jeremy Bailey took part in a flag raising ceremony today to mark the start of #ArmedForcesWeek.

Find out how to get involved this week https://t.co/7UgRx5uzAA pic.twitter.com/RfPTnZHj7w

— Portsmouth City Council (@portsmouthtoday) June 22, 2020

People will also have the chance to hear a specially-commissioned interview 96 year-old WW2 veteran Peter Chamberlain and 26 year-old Joe Hookey, reflecting on their experiences of serving in the Royal Navy.

There is also a host of online events including a virtual vintage tea dance and an armed forces themed quiz.

This year’s event will be focusing on emotional wellbeing and mental health, with Solent Mind’s veteran wellbeing advisers – part of the Positive Minds team – taking over their social media feeds to offer advice to those that have left or are transitioning out of the armed forces.

Cllr Rob Wood, Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, 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.”