Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, and LOCOG Chair Lord Coe visited Armed Forces personnel based at Hainault in Essex this morning to thank them for their ongoing efforts in support of delivering a safe and secure Olympic Games.
Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), took the opportunity to show his appreciation for the military's contribution on behalf of Games organisers and the general public.
More than 3,000 servicemen and women are based in Hainault, drawn from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force to provide security at Olympic Games venues. These include the Olympic Park and other sites around London.
General Richards said: "As a soldier myself, I know that Service demands often come before personal plans. Many sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines have delayed time with friends and family this summer to help support the London 2012 Games.
"They are performing their various roles admirably and I am very proud of their professional approach to providing a safe and secure Games. Her Majesty's Armed Forces are renowned for being the most professional in the world. Together with our athletes we have helped the UK showcase the best of Britain.
"I also acknowledge the friends and families of the men and women deployed on the Olympics; their support is, indirectly, contributing to the magnificent success of London 2012."
Lord Coe said: "Our heartfelt thanks go to the men and women who stepped up to work shoulder-to-shoulder with us to deliver an effective, seamless and well-regarded security operation.
"We have had a great response from our spectators on the service provided by our Armed Forces and I want each and every one of you to know the nation is proud of you and grateful to you."
