Armed Forces honoured with ceremony at City Hall

The Mayor of London and the London Assembly joined members of the British Armed Forces today for a flag raising ceremony at City Hall, to honour the bravery and commitment of service personnel past and present, ahead of Armed Forces Day. The annual flag-raising ceremony of thanks and remembrance was also another opportunity to mark 70 years since VE Day, with the world-renowned Band of the Household Cavalry performing at the event for the first time. The Chair of the London Assembly Jennette Arnold OBE and senior military figures took part in the ceremony, including Major General Edward Smyth-Osbourne CBE of the Army, who gave a joint military response. The Armed Forces flag was raised by Cadet Corporal Oleg Korolov and Cadet Rahul Acharya of the London Air Force Cadets. Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “It is hugely important that we pay respect to all those who serve our country and recognise the incredible bravery and sacrifices of our troops, both past and present. Throughout this year, we have commemorated the 70th anniversary of VE Day and, as we raise the Armed Forces flag at City Hall today, we remember the extraordinary actions of the ordinary men and women who continue to keep us safe every day of the year.” Chair of the London Assembly Jennette Arnold OBE said: “I am proud to remember and give thanks for the service and sacrifice of veterans and serving personnel at our flag raising ceremony. As Chair of the London Assembly I am pleased to underline our commitment to supporting our Armed Forces and honouring the promises we have made in our Armed Forces Community Covenant. It was also great to see everyone coming together to take another opportunity to mark VE Day at the ceremony today.” ENDS Notes to editors: 1. 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. The national event will take place in Guildford on Saturday 27th June, with other events being held across the country throughout the week. Visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk for more information. 2. 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.