CHIEF of Staff London District, Colonel Hugh Bodington, joined The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Audrey Lewis, and councillors at Westminster City Hall to honour the bravery and commitment of our Armed Forces in a special flag-raising ceremony this week.
The Armed Forces flag on the roof of Westminster City Hall was raised by a Guardsman from No7 Company, Coldstream Guards, accompanied by a piper from the London Scottish to commemorate the sacrifices made by those serving the country in the lead up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June.
After the flag was raised, Colonel Bodington said: “Thank you for the support shown to the Armed Forces over the past two years in particular. The Armed Forces Covenant has many strands to follow and we work with all London boroughs to make life more reasonable for Reservists, cadets, service leavers and veterans of all ages.”
An historic year
Cllr Rachael Robathan, Westminster Council Armed Forces Champion, paid tribute to the Armed Forces and highlighted the historical aspects of 2014 including the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the outbreak of the First World War.
She described how 11 Victoria Crosses were won by Westminster residents between 1914 and 1918 and that the Council will lay a paving stone in honour of each recipient to recognise their bravery and sacrifice.
Celebrate our soldiers
How will you celebrate Armed Forces Day this year?
For a host of stories and to find an event near you, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk today!