On Wednesday 22 October, the nation came together at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge for a night of celebration, pride, and heartfelt recognition at the 15th annual Soldiering On Awards.
Hosted by broadcaster Jeremy Vine, the glittering ceremony honoured the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, and organisations from across the Armed Forces community, those whose courage, resilience, and spirit of service continue to inspire and uplift our nation.
The Soldiering On Awards 2025
This year’s Awards were especially poignant, marking 80 years since VE Day and VJ Day, a fitting moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of those who secured peace eight decades ago, and to celebrate their contemporaries who carry that legacy forward today.
From entrepreneurs and volunteers to healthcare champions and community leaders, 38 extraordinary finalists stood as powerful examples of how service extends far beyond the call of duty. Their stories moved the audience to both laughter and tears, each one a reminder of the strength, compassion, and unity that define this remarkable community.
As part of this year’s ceremony, the Soldiering On Awards were honoured to receive a personal message from the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, who paid tribute to the Armed Forces community and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting those who serve and have served.
A Message from the Prime Minister
“It is an honour to write to you, the Armed Forces community, as you come together for the Soldiering On Awards to recognise the outstanding accomplishments and the extraordinary service you provide to our country.
We live in a time of profound change. That is why we are boosting Britain’s defences, ensuring our country is ready to meet the demands of modern warfare. Our security depends on people like you, those who have served and continue to serve. Your dedication and bravery deserve admiration worldwide, and Britain owes you a debt of gratitude.
The 38 finalists this year represent the very best of our Armed Forces community, and include active personnel, veterans, and civilian supporters alike. Their stories are powerful reminders of how service can transform lives, inspire others, and build stronger communities.
I want to be clear to our military community: this is a government that is on your side. We are renewing the contract with those who serve and have served, awarding the largest pay rise in decades, scrapping over 100 outdated recruitment policies, and passing legislation to introduce a new Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life.
Improvements to housing are underpinned by an investment of more than £7 billion this Parliament in military accommodation, which includes an extra £1.5 billion through the Strategic Defence Review to support urgent repairs and the long-term renewal of military family homes across the UK. And we have brought back 36,000 military homes into public ownership, as part of my pledge to deliver homes fit for heroes.
We are also improving support for veterans and their families. Programmes like Op COURAGE, Op RESTORE, and our new £50 million VALOUR initiative are helping veterans access the care they need. And we’re tackling veteran homelessness head-on, with £3.5 million committed to services like Op FORTITUDE.
I have had the privilege of meeting many of you in person, whether on board HMS Prince of Wales, celebrating Armed Forces Day alongside families at RAF Valley, or seeing first-hand your expertise training Ukrainian troops as part of Op Interflex at Knook Camp. And these conversations have only reinforced my determination to ensure you receive the support you deserve.
Occasions like this carry deep significance and reinforce the principles we treasure as a country. It is important to celebrate the people whose actions bring those values to life every day.
Thank you to all the finalists, nominees and the Soldiering On Awards team for your tireless efforts to ensure that these inspiring stories are told, meaningful connections are made, and others are motivated to follow your example.
I hope you have a truly memorable evening celebrating everything that makes our Armed Forces community extraordinary.”
Celebrating Service, Sacrifice and Strength
The Prime Minister’s words captured the spirit that filled the ballroom on Awards Night, a celebration not only of achievement but of unity, perseverance, and hope. The Soldiering On Awards have long stood as a national platform for the Armed Forces community, shining a light on those who go above and beyond to make a difference in business, charity, health, education, and community impact.
Throughout the evening, tributes were paid to the families and supporters who stand beside those who serve, the quiet strength behind every story of success. Corporate partners, charities, and military leaders joined together to applaud the finalists, recognising that collaboration across all sectors is vital to sustaining the Armed Forces Covenant and building a fairer future for all who have served.
As the 2025 Soldiering On Award winners took to the stage, their messages were consistent and humbling: pride in service, gratitude for support, and a shared determination to inspire others.
To every finalist, nominee, and supporter, your contribution is the heartbeat of the Armed Forces community. The Soldiering On Awards are proud to honour you, to tell your stories, and to keep the spirit of service shining brightly into the future.
