- Sadiq Khan and Assembly members paid tribute to all those who served and lost their lives for their country
- Service marks the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings and the Battles of Imphal and Kohima
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the Chair of the London Assembly, Jennette Arnold OBE AM, joined Assembly Members, representatives of the British Armed Forces and other special guests on the 8th November, at a service of remembrance for those who have lost their lives fighting for their country.
The service took place at City Hall ahead of Armistice Day (11 November) and marked 75 years since the Normandy landings and the Battles of Imphal and Kohima in India.
The ceremony was led by The Sub Dean of Southwark, The Reverend Canon Michael Rawson, with the address given by The Most Reverend John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark. In attendance were members of the armed forces as well as veterans, faith leaders, politicians and representatives from Metropolitan Police Service, Transport for London, London Ambulance Service and various charities, including the Royal British Legion and the Red Cross.
The service included prayers by members of the Sikh, Hindu, Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths, as well as a series of readings and hymns, with music performed by the Docklands Sinfonia Brass Ensemble and London International Gospel choir. A special Commonwealth contribution poem was read by Brigadier-General Michael Atkins, Commander & Defence Advisor, from the High Commission of Canada.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“I am honoured to represent the capital in paying tribute to the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.
“Today we particularly remember the Normandy Landings and the Battles of Imphal and Kohima, and the huge sacrifice that our brave armed forces made 75 years ago.
“We will never forget the sacrifices that have been made for us and for future generations thanks to the dedication of all our service men and women in the past and in the present.”
Chair of the London Assembly, Jennette Arnold OBE AM, said:
“As we mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings and the Battles of Imphal and Kohima, we are starkly reminded of the sacrifices people made in the past for our generation today. The Remembrance Day Service at City Hall is an important way for London’s representative organisations to collectively remember those who lost their lives. We must keep their memory alive and honour their bravery and we will continue to support veterans and their families.”