Members of the British Armed Forces joined the Mayor of London and London Assembly today for a flag raising ceremony at City Hall, to honour the bravery and commitment of service personnel past and present.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “This year, the nation commemorates the centenary of World War 1 and we remember the men and women who served in, lived through, or lost their lives during that terrible conflict. One hundred years on, the UK Armed Forces continue to defend the UK and its interests, not only by promoting peace in countries such as Afghanistan, but also by providing security, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers and fighting terrorism across the world. And so, today, our thoughts embrace all those in active service in areas of unrest, those who lead them, guide them and care for them abroad and at home and, of course, we remember those we have lost.”
Chairman of the London Assembly Roger Evans AM said: “Sadly, since we last raised the Armed Forces Day flag at City Hall, nine British service personnel have died on active service in Afghanistan, including Warrant Officer Ian Fisher of the 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment who came from Barking. Today we recognise the sacrifice of men and women like Ian Fisher and all those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces. As Chairman of the London Assembly I am pleased to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the service family.”
Deputy Commander Brigadier Richard Smith of the Army also attended the ceremony and gave a joint military response. Cadet Sergeant Alex Ferryman & Cadet Joe Froggett, of the London Air Force Cadets, raised the flag. Pipe-Major Brian Smith and Graham Dawson from the London Irish Rifles provided music to open and close the ceremony. This is the sixth year of the flag raising ceremony honouring Armed Forces Week at City Hall.
Notes to editors
- Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces. A national event will be held in Stirling on Saturday 28th June, with several events being held across the country next week.
- The Community Covenant: The Greater London Authority (GLA) marked its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces by signing a Community Covenant on behalf of Londoners at City Hall on Monday, 25 June 2012. The Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community. It is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at the local level. The Community Covenant was signed on behalf of the GLA by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the former Chair of the London Assembly Jennette Arnold AM plus representatives of the Metropolitan Police Service, the London Fire Brigade and Transport for London. Senior officers representing the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Reserves & Cadets also signed the Community Covenant on behalf of London’s Armed Services.