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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Chair of the London Assembly, Len Duvall OBE AM, and the City Hall Branch of the Royal British Legion today welcomed special guests to City Hall for the Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony.
The event is held annually to honour and celebrate the bravery and dedication of service personnel.
The ceremony, ahead of National Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June 2025, was attended by serving members of the British Armed Forces, as well as veterans, reserves, cadets, and representatives from military charities.
In the 80th anniversary year of VE Day, tribute was paid to the Second World War generation for their sacrifice, remembering those who we lost and those still with us.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, British Army, hosted the ceremony, and Royal Navy Commodore Tim Green was a key speaker.
Young Cadet Sergeant Samira Hussain read the poem ‘How do you measure a Soldier’s sacrifice?’ by Kelly Roper, and guests enjoyed music from The Band of Household Cavalry before, during and after the ceremony.
The event was also attended by representatives from the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, Tri-Service Regular, Reserves and Cadets alongside London Assembly members, London borough mayors and leaders, and Greater London Authority staff.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “To mark Armed Forces Day, City Hall’s flag raising ceremony honours our service personnel, past and present, recognising their bravery in protecting our country.
“Eighty years on from VE Day, we remember the sacrifice of those who defended the freedoms we enjoy today and pay tribute to those still with us.
"Those who serve in our armed forces show an unwavering commitment, day in and day out, to preserving peace and defending our people and land. I extend my deepest gratitude to our nation’s Armed Forces community and their families. We thank you for your service.”
Chair of the London Assembly, Len Duvall OBE AM, said: “As Chair of the London Assembly and Chair of the Royal British Legion, City Hall Branch, it was an honour to raise the Armed Forces flag at City Hall for the 17th year, in support and appreciation of our Armed Forces.
“The London Assembly commitment to all those who serve, and who have served, is lifelong. The Armed Forces help keep us safe, protect our democracy and our values. Many have selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to fight for people’s safety and rights overseas. We also thank the families of Armed Forces personnel for the support they give to those serving.
“Especially in the 80th anniversary year of VE Day, we are reminded of the efforts our Armed Forces continue to make on our behalf and others, as they work to promote peace and security around the world.”
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