City Hall commemorates generations of service and sacrifice at annual Remembrance Service
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today joined the Chair of the London Assembly, Andrew Boff AM, representatives of the Armed Forces community and faith leaders for the annual Remembrance Service at City Hall.
The service, which is held in partnership with the London Assembly and the City Hall Branch of the Royal British Legion, paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and reflected on 110 years since the Battle of the Somme. It also commemorated the service and sacrifice of recent decades, marking 35 years since the Gulf War, 30 years since the end of operations in Bosnia, and 15 years since the end of Operation Telic in Iraq.
The Rt Revd Lynne Cullens, Bishop of Barking, led the service and was joined by representatives of Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish and Humanist communities who delivered readings and prayers. The Mayor and Chair of the Assembly gave readings and laid wreaths.
Wreaths were also laid by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Alastair King and senior representatives from the Armed Forces, Metropolitan Police Service, Transport for London, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, British Red Cross, Royal British Legion, London Councils and other organisations from across London.
Guests included London borough mayors and leaders, Armed Forces personnel, veterans, cadets, reservists, London Assembly Members, former Assembly Members, and Greater London Authority staff.
Music was provided by the London International Gospel Choir.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "Our annual Remembrance Service provides an important opportunity to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of all those who have served our country. Together we remember how they have given their lives to defend our freedom and how our brave servicemen and women continue to standup for everything that we believe in.
“This year, we reflect on the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and those that fought courageously in the Gulf War, Bosnia and Iraq. We must never take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy and the debt that we owe to all those who fought to protect us, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Chair of the London Assembly, Andrew Boff AM, said: “Remembrance Day is a time to honour those who gave their lives in service to our country, and to reflect on the countless lives lost and forever changed by conflict around the world.
“As we remember their courage and sacrifice, we also reaffirm our commitment to peace, stand against the horrors of war and genocide, and recognise the suffering endured by innocent civilians.
“The London Assembly joins people across our city in paying tribute to all those who have served, and those who continue to serve today. We owe it to their memory, and to future generations, to strive for a world in which peace triumphs over conflict.”