SCORES of nominees for The Sun’s Military Awards were hailed as heroes at a Downing Street reception.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted sailors, soldiers and airmen, plus the civilians who support them ahead of last night’s glittering awards — dubbed The Millies.
Every single one displayed feats of jaw-dropping heroism, dedication and determination over the last year.
And he thanked the Army for helping his own career, by solving a security “shambles” at the 2012 London Olympics.
He said: “My political career has had many ups and downs but there is no way I would have become the Prime Minister if it hadn’t been for the British Armed Forces.”
He recalled how they stepped in when, shortly before the Olympics, security firm G4S said it could not provide the thousands of guards promised to man the gates.
Mr Johnson, who was then London Mayor, continued: “It was a total disaster and it would have been a total fiasco but the British Army stepped in and did quite a magnificent job.”
The PM was joined by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace at the lavish bash, before the nominees trooped over Whitehall to Banqueting House for the Millies, now in their 12th year.
There, they joined famous people, including TV stars and sporting icons, to hear the winners — chosen by our panel of former top brass, Forces champions and celebs.
The PM, said: “There are some very distinguished veterans who have served our country well, as you all have. We have at least one D-day veteran here and it’s fantastic that he could join us.”
He said throughout his career he had seen British Armed Forces around the world – from Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq to Kenya, Somalia and Estonia.
He continued: “We have a fearsome reputation as a country for our Armed services. Over the last 200 years, since British Prime Ministers first stood in this room, the British Army has invaded or conquered 163 countries.
“But I can tell you now, as someone who sees an awful lot of the world, that you in the Armed Services are loved and admired not for the reputation of history — invasion and conquest — but for the good work you do.
‘Whole country is proud’
“Whether that is clamping down on piracy, or people trafficking or bringing peace, stability and security to the world.
“There are many ways our Armed Services represent the single best export this nation has. The whole country is very proud of you.”
He added: “I want to thank The Sun for their support and this great, great occasion and a wonderful institution. I want you all to know that you will have the unflinching support of this administration as long as I am in Downing Street.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said: “Our Armed Forces serve with expertise, dedication and resilience and are the best in the world.
“The Sun Military Awards allow us to celebrate the brilliance of our Armed Forces and reward examples of extraordinary service.
“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, and thank you to The Sun and BAE Systems for organising this wonderful event.”
- Watch The Millies on Wednesday, Feb 12 at 6.30pm on Forces TV.
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