On 10 March 2025, Commonwealth Day, a gathering of dignitaries, representatives from Commonwealth nations, veteran associations, and service personnel took place at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London. This year the theme for the annual event was the 80th anniversary of both VJ Day and the conclusion of World War Two.
Those in attendance were greeted by The Rt Hon The Lord Boateng CVO, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council. Following this, Sir Ben Okri delivered a moving poem, after which Brigadier (Retired) Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE presented a speech highlighting the sacrifices made by individuals from all Commonwealth nations during World War Two, emphasizing the significance of the Memorial Gates in commemorating our history in contemporary times.
The Sermon and Prayers were led by The Right Reverand Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah (Bishop of Edmonton). This was followed by a lament from a piper who played as marching away from the Gates, the sound of his pipes fading away. A bugler from the Band of the Household Cavalry then played the Last Post, and after two minutes silence sounded Reveille.
Wreaths were then laid by representatives of each of the Commonwealth Countries present, various organisations and associations, including, the Gurkha Brigade Association, 2 Gurkha Rifles, 6 Gurkha Rifles, 7 Gurkha Rifles, 10 Gurkha Rifles and the Brigade of Gurkhas.
The two King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers stood to attention either side of the monument for the event.
The official inauguration of the Memorial Gates was carried out by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on the 6th of November 2002. Since then, a wreath-laying ceremony has been held annually with the participation of High Commissioners from all Commonwealth countries, now a significant aspect of Commonwealth Day. The Gates were erected as a lasting memorial to honour the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Nepal who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces during the first and second World Wars. They also celebrate the contribution that these servicemen and women and now their descendants from the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth family and Nepal, made and continue to make to the ricj diversity of British society.
The event was supported by music from The Band of The Household Cavalry and the Commonwealth Children’s Choir.
Photography by Mr Mick Latter (Head of Communications HQ Brigade of Gurkhas)
