London, March 9 (IANS): The United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday unveiled a memorial in central London to honour the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
In an official event with some 2,500 guests in attendance, the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, presented the new memorial designed by sculptor Paul Day.
The memorial comprised of two white monoliths and a central bronze medallion to commemorate those who served in both armed conflicts, Efe news reported.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Horse Guards Parade in London.
While not focusing specifically on those who died, the piece aims to honour the service of those who protected Britain’s borders and helped citizens of other nations who were in danger.
There was a brief religious ceremony, a military parade, and a military orchestra during the event.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Catherine; Prince Harry, Prince Charles as well as Prime Minister Theresa May attended the ceremony.
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democratic Party leader Tim Farron were also present at the event along with former Prime Ministers John Major, Tony Blair and David Cameron.
The Queen thanked the soldiers and civilians who took part in the conflicts for bringing “peace and stability” to war zones in a foreword for the event’s programme.
More than 800 British citizens, among them soldiers and civilians, died in the two wars.
