Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, back row, center, with members of the armed forces Pic: Gemma Payne

Many people braved the rain yesterday to pay tribute to veterans, members of the armed forces and police cadets in a service at the Lewisham’s Garden of Remembrance in Allerford Road as part of Lewisham Armed Forces Day.

It was part of a series of events taking place across the country to raise public awareness and for the nation to show support to Britain’s armed forces.

Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, who spoke at the service said, “Here in Lewisham we honour their commitment, bravery and professionalism, some members of the armed forces are full time but many reservists.

“Here in Lewisham we are very aware of that and value our links with our local Army Reserve units very highly.”

This year’s annual event commemorated the 70th anniversary of the D-Day, the start of World War 1 and to show support to the reserve forces, the cadets and veterans of the borough. Sunday also marked a hundred years since the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, that set off a series of events that sparked the start of the First World War.

Battery Sergeant Major, John Welfare who is been a member of 265 Battery Royal Artillery Army Reserves based in Grove Park, said: “Armed Forces Day is in its sixth year and we appreciate not only the support from Lewisham but also the recognition for the work we do oversees, in the UK and in the local community.”

Police Cadet Harriett Helmsley, 17, added: “Today we are here to represent and support all of the armed forces that have been serving for all these years.”