Did you know? Monday marks the start of Armed Forces Week
Armed Forces Week takes place Monday 22 to Sunday, 28 June 2026. It is a national campaign to build public understanding and support for the Armed Forces community - regulars, reserves, veterans, cadets, cadet adult volunteers and military families.
Across the UK, events will be held to commemorate our Armed Forces, with most celebrations taking place on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, 27 June 2026. Events in our district are:
Bognor Regis Town Council - Saturday, 20 June
Veterans, Serving Personnel and Service Cadets will assemble at the Cenotaph (in front of the town hall) at 10am where they will start the parade at 10.15am. Full details can be found here
Littlehampton Town Council - Saturday, 27 June
The Armed Forces, Families and Veterans Day gets under way with a parade, starting at East Beach Cafe from 10.30am, led by the Cadets Massed Band and supported by local uniformed groups. Full details can be found here
Why do we have Armed Forces Day and an Armed Forces Week?
The UK Armed Forces operate day and night to protect the nation at home and maintain strength overseas. Armed Forces Week offers the public an opportunity to recognise and thank the men and women who carry out this vital role.
Armed Forces Day and the wider Armed Forces Week exist to recognise, celebrate and show appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of those who serve, or have served, in the UK's Armed Forces.
Reconnecting the Armed Forces with the communities they protect is key to building understanding and awareness of why a strong defence matters.
Defence drives growth and opportunity by creating jobs, opening routes into specialist AI and engineering roles and providing skills that remain in demand long after serving.
Armed Forces support (local and national)
For details about support available to veterans, please visit: Armed Forces local/national support | Arun District Council
We have also recently published an Armed Forces and Veterans guidebook, which is available on this page. This resource is intended to help serving personnel (both regulars and reservists) and veterans understand and access council services and other key support available to them.
Armed Forces Community Covenant at Arun District Council
Our Armed Forces Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between the district council and its local armed forces community.
The Community Covenant aims to encourage mutual support between local communities and the armed forces community, foster public understanding and raise awareness of issues affecting that community, recognise and honour the sacrifices made by its members, and promote activities that help integrate the armed forces community into local life.
Read more here: Armed Forces Community Covenant | Arun District Council
We are also part of the Armed Forces Community Covenant for West Sussex