London Ambulance Service honours armed forces at Remembrance Day service

London Ambulance Service (LAS) staff members gathered today (Tuesday 11 November) to mark Remembrance Day and commemorate those who gave their lives in war.

The LAS Armed Forces network led the service of remembrance and wreath-laying with assembled staff in the memorial garden outside their Waterloo Road headquarters.

Just before 11am, the bugle call ‘The Last Post’ was played out by a member of the Trust’s Ceremonial Unit before the two-minute silence began. This was followed by lowering and raising a standard and laying of poppy wreaths.

At the service, LAS Chief Executive Jason Killens KAM said:

“Today is an opportunity for all of us at LAS to remember and pay respects to all who gave their lives and contributed during the war – British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women.

“It is also a moment for us to remember our late London Ambulance Service colleagues and thank them for their dedication and commitment  to our Service and to the people of London.

“It is so important for us to take time out to remember those people who have dedicated their lives to service from the past and more recently. The time you have taken to reflect will be appreciated by colleagues, friends and family.”

Following the wreath laying, Reverend Christopher Morgan delivered a blessing where he urged the assembled staff to reflect on the precious nature of human life:

“Every human life is precious whatever our religion or belief. Let us use this day to remind ourselves of our common humanity and pledge to do all we can to live alongside each other in peace and avoid the scourge of war.”

As the poignant ceremony drew to a close, Mark Purcell, LAS Armed Forces Network Vice Chair, presented Rev. Morgan with a London Ambulance Service Armed Forces Network Challenge Coin to acknowledge his role as chaplain presiding over the Armistice Day remembrance event over the past three years. The challenge Coin – carrying the words ‘Caring, Respect, Teamwork’ – is presented to LAS staff and volunteers who identify as members of the Armed Forces Community in recognition of their service.

As the service concluded, staff were invited to spend a few minutes in private contemplation in the memorial garden – created in 2020 to provide a space to reflect and remember those lost during the two world wars and colleagues who have died over the years – before returning to work.