The Greater London Authority (GLA) will hold its Annual Service of Remembrance for London’s war dead in the Chamber at City Hall tomorrow from 10.30am.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Chairman of the London Assembly Roger Evans AM, will be joined by Sir David Brewer CMG JP, HM Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Major-General Edward Smyth-Osbourne, General Officer Commanding the London District, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB CVO, National President of the Royal British Legion, and representatives of London government past and present to lay wreaths at the City Hall War Memorial.
The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral and Chaplain to the GLA City Hall Branch of the Royal British Legion, will conduct the service with participation from representatives of other faiths. Revd Bertrand Olivier, Vicar of All Hallows Berkyngechirche -by-the-Tower with St Dunstan-in-the-East, will give the address.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
“In this, the centenary year of the First World War, it is more important than ever that we honour, we remember and we commemorate all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the preservation of freedom and democracy in our great country.
“This year's Poppy Appeal has had a fantastic response from the public and as we remember the fallen here in London, and in poignant services of remembrance across the country, I remain dedicated to supporting all our veterans who have served this country so selflessly.
“We are grateful to those who continue to serve in the British Armed Forces, defending the UK and its interests at home and abroad, promoting peace and providing vital security and aid across the world.”
Chairman of the London Assembly Roger Evans said:
“While this year’s Remembrance commemorations rightly focus on the centenary of the start of the First World War and the appalling carnage that followed, it is our duty to remember not only those who fell in conflicts past but also those who continue to serve and sacrifice today.
“In particular we should remember the 453 Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan during the last 13 years and the thousands more who were injured.
“The London Assembly is committed to remembering all those who have fallen in war and to the principle that we owe moral, physical and financial support to those injured or bereaved in the service of their country.”
The Service will start at 10.30am prompt on Friday, 7 November with 2 minutes silence at 11am and will be webcast live.
The service is by invitation only, media are invited to attend.