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For me, Remembrance is personal.
My paternal grandfather served with the Highland Light Infantry in the First world war. He lost a brother at sea - a great uncle I never knew.
My father was in the Royal Air Force but was just too young to see action in the 2nd World War. My mother was a WREN, the Women’s Royal Navy.
Their service serves as a reminder of the millions of men and women who fought for their country, in both the First and Second World Wars. Many returned - many more didn’t. The first world war was, of course, supposed to have been the war to end all wars.
A grand aspiration but never a reality. The second world war, Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq….and, closer to home, Northern Ireland.I am a keen supporter of the Royal British Legion - the national custodians of remembrance.
Not a flash charity - but a vital one. 24/7 welfare support, housing guidance, mental health support - as PTSD is such a trial for many who survive. They support the widows and orphans, too, of those who didn’t return.
The reminders are there for us - from the poppy to some of the most compelling poetry in the English language. Today's armed services are different: they fight ebola in east Africa, they help with the fight against Covid, at home.
They support communities, wresting with flooding - and on and on. So in remembering those who made their ultimate sacrifice let us also remember a new generation for whom service still matters however different it may be.
And all the men and women who stand ready - and whose very presence can help to avoid future conflicts. They all serve that we might be safe.
To those who have died and to those in uniform today - thank you.