Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, attended Barnet Council's annual event to support armed forces day at Hendon Town Hall this morning. Following a parade by local cadets, veterans and members of the armed forces based in the borough, the Armed Forces Day Flag was raised at the Town Hall by the Mayor, Cllr Hugh Rayner.
Following the event, Theresa said: "It was an honour to be able to take part in different events to mark Armed Forces Day in Northern Ireland and in Barnet over recent days. This is a great chance to recognise the huge contribution our armed forces make and thank them for the service they give to our community."
"I believe we have the best armed forces in the world. Many of them have put their lives on the line in dangerous places around the world and we should be immensely grateful for that. Servicemen and women of previous generations defended our freedom in two World Wars. Without them, we would not enjoy the democracy and freedom we do today."
"In the year when we mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, it is especially important that we remember the courage and heroism of so many men and women who have served in our armed forces, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice. That is a debt of gratitude that should never be forgotten."