Today, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, joined with members of the Armed Forces, the London Assembly and the City Hall branch of the British Legion to pay tribute to the UK’s servicemen

and women ahead of Saturday’s National Armed Forces Day.

The annual flag raising ceremony took place outside City Hall this morning.

The Mayor was joined by representatives from across the Armed Forces: Air Vice Marshal Simon Edwards MA RAF, Commodore Robert J A Bellfield CBE Royal Navy, Brigadier Andy Wright MBE, Wing Commander Chris Owen, and Cadet Karolina Luckaite.

There were also attendees from the Royal Woolwich Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, University of London Air Sqn Cadet Officers, and London-based Reserve Units.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The Armed Forces’ response to the pandemic has been the biggest peacetime military operation ever to occur in the UK, and although we are not able to join together in our usual numbers, this flag raising ceremony provides an important opportunity for us to show our support and gratitude. We must never underestimate the sacrifices they have made and continue to make to keep us safe, and it’s vital that we continue to reflect and honour their courage and commitment.” 

Andrew Boff AM, Chair of the London Assembly said: “Today we celebrated the incredible work of our armed forces personnel, veterans, reserves, and cadets at City Hall, ahead of Armed Forced Day on Saturday. I was honoured to represent the London Assembly as we raised the Armed Forces flag to show our support to all those who have served and continue to serve our country. Around the world today, our armed forces are promoting peace and security, fighting terrorism, and delivering aid. And closer to home during the pandemic, we have relied on their skills and specialist knowledge to help us through some difficult times. We will always be grateful for their work and dedication to keeping us and others safe.”Photo by Ozeye, Wikimedia commons.