Major Charles Wilson is calling on residents to mark the contribution of members of the armed forces - both serving and retired - on what should have been Armed Forces Day.

The annual parade, which celebrates the role local servicemen and women have played in conflict and peacekeeping, was due to take place on Sunday but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Plans have since been announced to commemorate all of the island’s military remembrance occasions of 2020 - VE Day, Armed Forces Day, VJ Day and Armistice Day - at a ceremony in the Villa Marina, Douglas, on November 22.

Major Wilson said: ’Our Forces continue their great job internationally and have risen to the challenge of helping with Covid-19. Let’s celebrate that.

’Put out the flags and fly the bunting over the weekend of June 27. During this time many have stepped up to give help to the needy.’

Isle of Man Newspapers is encouraging readers to send in their photographs of them giving a salute either in military uniform or in support of the armed forces.

Photos must be 1MB in size and addressed to [email protected] before Tuesday (June 30) along with your phone number and full name to be featured in the paper.

Please include a phone number so we can get back to you quickly if we need to double-check anything.

They can also be posted on the ’British Military and Veterans Isle of Man’ Facebook page. Major Wilson added: ’Let’s tell their stories. Get families and friends to salute and post their pictures.’