The Prime Minister David Cameron announced in the House of Commons that a Service of Commemoration to mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan will take place on 13 March 2015.
Attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, the service will also pay tribute to all those in the UK who worked to make the country a safer, more stable country, 2001-2014.
A parade made up of personnel who served in Afghanistan will take place after service, followed by a reception at Guildhall hosted by The City of London Corporation.
The Prime Minister made the announcement before the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions. He said:
“This is an opportunity for the country to pay tribute to the extraordinary contribution made by all those who served in Afghanistan over 13 years.
“Their mission has helped prevent Afghanistan from being used as a base to launch attacks on us here at home, and they have enabled Afghanistan to begin the task of looking after its own security in the years ahead.
“The whole country is right to be incredibly proud of our Armed Forces and all who served in Afghanistan.”
Following the announcement, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said,
“This is our opportunity to show the enormous gratitude we owe to all those who served in Afghanistan, and to salute the many acts of courage and sacrifice made by the thousands of men and women involved in the campaign.
“We owe a special debt to those who didn’t return and I hope that their family members are able to join us at the Service.”
The various groups who are connected to the operation will be invited to attend the service. Invitations to the service for Armed Forces personnel, and for the Next of Kin of deceased Service personnel will be issued in February via the single Services.