Ukrainian young people take part in Milton Keynes Armed Forces Flag Raising

The Milton Keynes community came together today to raise the Armed Forces Flag as part of Armed Forces Week. We are deeply proud that a pupil from our Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School, Melaniia Borysenko (16), was invited to take part in this important civic ceremony.

Melaniia joined Cadet Lance Corporal Kirils Tacenko, who is of Ukrainian and Latvian heritage, to read the original poem “Peace in Our Time.”

In the presence of the Mayor of Milton Keynes, the Leader of the Council, and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, their reading delivered a powerful message of gratitude, unity and hope. It reminded us how vital it is to hear the voices of children and young people when we speak about peace — they are the future of this world.

Melaniia Borysenko and Viktoriya Shtanko at the Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony.

A Ceremony of Respect and Gratitude

Around 250 people gathered in the Civic Garden, including serving personnel, veterans, cadets, civic dignitaries, members of the public and schoolchildren. Music, poetry and the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag created a moving tribute to all who serve to protect our freedoms.

This year’s ceremony was the largest to date, reflecting the city’s continued commitment to honouring the Armed Forces community. Speeches were led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, followed by contributions from the Council Leader and the Mayor of Milton Keynes, who also serves as the city’s Armed Forces Champion.

The Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony brought together around 250 people.

Bridging Two Nations of Heroes

For our Ukrainian community, this moment carries profound significance. The United Kingdom has a long and deeply rooted tradition of honouring its service personnel — from active troops and cadets to veterans and their families. At the same time, Ukraine is fighting an existential war for its freedom. Our Armed Forces are our pride, our strength and our hope. Seeing Melaniia stand proudly in Milton Keynes to honour British service personnel symbolises a powerful truth shared by both nations: freedom is never free, and those who protect it deserve our highest respect.

Every day, service personnel in the UK and around the world work to promote peace, deliver aid, combat international crime and safeguard communities. Today, we honour them all.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes City Council, Buckinghamshire Army Cadets, and everyone who welcomed our Sunflower School into this meaningful event.

To see a young Ukrainian voice standing alongside a British cadet is a powerful symbol of unity and hope. It reminds us that even in the most challenging times, our communities remain connected by shared values and a shared longing for peace.

Slava Ukraini! God Save the King!