The London Borough of Bexley will recognise Armed Forces Day on 22 June, with the Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Lisa-Jane Moore, raising a flag outside the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath with the 265 Kent and County of London Yeomanry (sharpshooter) Support Squadron and 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment, to mark the occasion.

Representatives of Bexley’s Royal British Legion Branches and local cadet groups will also be in attendance at the event.

The event celebrates our service men and women, past and present, for their dedication and sacrifice as part of our Armed Forces.

The flag-raising ceremony will take place at the front of the Civic Offices at 10:15am and will be followed by a short service giving thanks.

Armed Forces Day officially takes place on 27 June and serves as an opportunity for the nation to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

Following Armed Forces Day, the annual Civic Parade will take place on 28 June and will see youth groups, veterans and other local organisations take part in the parade, led by a marching band and the Mayor.

Those taking part will set off at 9:45am from the Civic Offices and march along The Broadway to Christ Church, Bexleyheath.

Rev’d Trevor Wyatt will lead a service of community celebration and thanks to welcome our new Mayor.

All are welcome to attend the service, which begins at 10:30am at Christ Church.

Following the service, the parade will march back to the Civic Offices and arrive at approximately 11:45am.

The Mayor said: 

I am delighted to be able to raise the flag in proud recognition of Armed Forces Day.

I would like to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms.

We offer our gratitude to their families, whose strength and support often go unseen but are never taken for granted.

The Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment, compassion and readiness to serve whenever and wherever they are called stand as an inspiring example to us all.

Our annual Civic Parade showcases the many individuals and groups whose contributions shape our community.

I hope residents will join us in celebrating those who give so much to our borough.”