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Guildford marks Armed Forces Week

Armed Forces Day 2025 montage of photos

Armed Forces Day 2025 montage of photos
We're proud to honour the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community during Armed Forces Week. This is a national celebration recognising the dedication of service personnel, veterans, and their families.  

To mark the occasion, a flag-raising ceremony took place at the Guildhall on Monday 23 June. 

Who joined together in a show of unity and gratitude?

  • Civic leaders
  • veterans
  • military personnel
  • members of the public

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Howard Smith, said: 

"We should never forget the huge debt we owe to the men and women of our Armed Forces.  The recent national commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and that of VJ Day in August, marking the end of the second world war, is a poignant reminder that we should never take peace for granted." 

Speaking about his own father who served in the RAF, he continued: 

"Those who sign up to serve share a common value, the desire to defend and protect our democratic freedoms and way of life, but rarely does this come at no cost personally. 

"We can repay this selfless dedication to duty by ensuring we never take it for granted, and that we continue to show our support." 

Colonel (Retired) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL responded on behalf of the military community.  

After the speeches veterans and guests gathered with members of the public to watch the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag. 

Tribute from the Guildhall balcony 

  • the Reverend Rod Pierce, from Holy Trinity & St Mary's church welcomed those gathered 
  • Bugler, Simon Persin, played the fanfare
  • the Armed Forces Day Flag was raised
  • the first verse of the National Anthem sung

Rounding off the tribute

The three cheers for His Majesty The King and His Armed Forces, led by a soldier from The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (4PWRR) was a truly heart-stirring moment. 

More about Armed Forces Day (opens new window) More about the Armed Forces Day