Residents gathered in Kingston, New Malden, Surbiton and Chessington on Sunday (12 November 2023) to reflect and remember the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community.

Fire services and personnel laying a wreath in Surbiton. (Photo: Kingston Council)

Communities across the borough united across faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to pay their respects to all those who served in the Armed Forces and commemorate those who lost their lives in service to their country. 

Scouts and other on a march in New Malden. (Photo: Kingston Council)

Paying respects in Surbiton. (Photo: Kingston Council)

Cllr Noel Hadjimichael, Armed Forces Champion for the Royal Borough of Kingston said: "We know from 2021 Census that more than 2,500 local residents are veterans. Today's veterans are our living link to the many that are gone but not forgotten."

The Mayor of Kingston leaving a church Remembrance service. (Photo: Kingston Council)

Kingston Mayor laying a poppy wreath. (Photo: Kingston Council)

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston, as well as the Bishop of Kingston, Armed Forces representatives, Councillors and senior council officers attended the events. 

Military personnel marching through Kingston. (Photo: Kingston Council)

Military and police personnel in New Malden. (Photo: Kingston Council)

In 2018 Kingston Council signed  the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise by the nation that members of the armed forces will be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve or have served.

Surbiton pays respects by war memorial. (Photo: Kingston Council)

It's part of our effort to create a fairer Kingston by reducing inequalities and increasing opportunities for everyone.

Officers on the street in New Malden. (Photo: Kingston Council)