Havering Council Prepares To Celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Local councillor and Royal Air Force Reservist Alex Donald writes for the Havering Daily.

As we celebrate Armed Forces Week 2026 here in Havering, we show our unwavering support to the men and women who make up our Armed Forces community; from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.

Councillor Alex Donald.

It was my privilege last month to be elected as our borough’s Member Champion for the Armed Forces by my fellow councillor colleagues. As a Royal Air Force Reservist, I know what it means to serve and I relish the opportunity to champion our uniformed service personnel who serve King and Country throughout the year.

Havering is home to over 5000 veterans, including a number of serving councillors. We have numerous cadet groups such as 6F (Romford) Air Cadets and the Hornchurch and Upminster Sea Cadets who would not exist without the terrific support of adult volunteers who provide inspiration and leadership to our young people.

We are also home to many charities who support the armed forces including the Royal British Legion and Havering Mind who run a dedicated support service for serving military, veterans and their families.

We have a rich and proud local military history with the now decommissioned RAF Hornchurch playing a pivotal role during the Battle of Britain in World War 2 – and I am proud to be a member of 600 (City of London) Squadron who were based there.

Since the local election last month, this Council has doubled our commitment to the Armed Forces by introducing a new Veterans Champion role. This allows us to give focused attention to both those who currently serve and to the veterans to whom we owe so much. Cllr Luke Barry, himself a veteran – has taken on this responsibility and has already hit the ground running!

I would also like to commend my Member Champion predecessor Cllr Barry Mugglestone – especially in his role as Chairman of the Elm Park Royal British Legion. I hope to carry on his good works representing the local military community.

This Monday 22^nd June, the Armed Forces flag will be raisedand fly high above Town Hall. On Reserves Day on Wednesday 24^th June, I will be there with my fellow Reservists in front of the same building to recognise how troops balance civilian life with a military career.

Finally this Saturday 27^th June, Havering’s entire Armed Forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, Veterans, Cadets and our families – will parade through Romford. This will be a momentous occasion marshalled by Yeomen Serjeant Jimmy James and led by the Royal British Legion Band and Corps of Drums Romford.

The parade will go along South Street where the salute will be given to the Mayor of Havering and the Deputy Lieutenantthrough the market and towards the Town Hall.

Although there will be a Civic party headed by the Mayor observing the parade, I personally feel that there is only one place I would rather be – and that is in uniform in the parade itself marching alongside my brothers and sisters.

On behalf of all residents, to those who have given their service: Thank You.

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