Guildford marks Armed Forces Week with flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall
Guildford marks Armed Forces Week with flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall
Guildford Borough Council is 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 today (Monday 23 June). Civic leaders, veterans, military personnel, and members of the public joined together in a show of unity and gratitude.
Colonel (Retired) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL responded on behalf of the military community to The Mayor of Guildford’s welcome speech.
In his speech, 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.”
After the speeches veterans and guests gathered with members of the public at Tunsgate to watch the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag.
From the Guildhall balcony the Reverend Rod Pierce, from Holy Trinity & St Mary’s church welcomed those gathered in the High Street below.
Bugler, Simon Persin, played the fanfare before the Armed Forces Day Flag was raised and the first verse of the National Anthem sung.
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 that rounded off the tribute.
Notes to Editors
Armed Forces Week culminates in Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June 2025. This is a chance for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. More information is available on the Armed Forces Day website.
Photos supplied:
Armed Forces Day 2025 Flag raising balcony party: Left to right: Bugler, Simon Person; Revd Rod Pierce, Holy Trinity & St Mary’s; the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Howard Smith, The High Sheriff of Surrey, Peter Cluff; Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL, Dep. Colonel, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment; Graham Bigwood, Captain (Retd), The Queen’s Regiment
Armed Forces Day 2025 close up: Left to right: The High Sheriff of Surrey, Peter Cluff; the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Howard Smith; Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL, Dep. Colonel, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
Armed Forces Day 2025 Mayor of Guildford Cllr Howard Smith
Armed Forces Day 2025 Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley: Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL, Dep. Colonel, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
Armed Forces Day 2025 Soldier 4PWRR: Sgt Mark Vickers, 4th Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
Armed Forces Day 2025 AFD flag raised
Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk