Labour’s co-spokesperson for tourism, equalities, communities and culture, Councillor Amanda Grimshaw on Armed Forces Day:

This Saturday the 26^th June is annual Armed Forces Day, though many of the parades and live events that usually mark this brilliant celebration of our service men & women have again had to be curtailed or cancelled due to Covid precautions.

In June 2019 I was newly elected and appointed the council’s armed forces champion. This was a role that I was so proud to hold as the armed forces hold a special place in my heart, from those serving currently to veterans and cadets. I have always been passionate about showing my support and respect.

My first event as Armed forces champion was to attend the celebrations taking place at the Blind Veterans UK event in Ovingdean.

To my great delight whilst attending I saw the Sussex Army cadet force kit car display team. Watching the young people in action was really brilliant and bought back many happy memories of when two of my children attended the Sussex Army cadets, one of them being in the kit car team.

Being in the cadets gives kids confidence and being part of a friendly determined team really does inspire, encourage and set people on the right track working with others on whatever path they choose to follow after cadets.

I look forward to attending many other Armed Forces days in the future and on Wednesday (June 30th) will get the chance to pay my respects at the Boars Head Memorial at the Old Steine where I will -alongside veterans, the mayor and members of the Royal British Legion – remember 30^th June 1916, known forever as The Day Sussex Died.

Councillor Amanda Grimshaw