Later this month I will join others across our country and across the Commonwealth, as we remember all those who have sacrificed their lives in conflict to ensure we enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have today.
The first ever Remembrance Day took place on 11th November 1919, one year after the end of the First World War. After the Second World War, the Government introduced ‘Remembrance Sunday’ on the second Sunday of November as the main day of commemorations, although many people will observe a two minutes’ silence on both. I know it is a particularly solemn occasion for those who have lost loved ones in conflict, who will remember their service with both pride and with sadness.
Every year on remembrance weekend myself and my wife Anna between us attend the commemorations across Halesowen & Rowley Regis, and once again this year we will also be joining Voices in Harmony for their Concert of Remembrance at Holy Trinity Church in Old Hill.
Whilst older generations may still have recollections of living through the Second World War, with rationing, ariel bombardment and a real threat to the independence and sovereignty of Britain, for many of us it is all too easy to take the freedom we enjoy today for granted. We only need look at what the Ukrainian people have endured for nearly two years, or the plight that has affected Israel and Gaza over the last few weeks, for a reminder that the threat to our way of life could come when it’s least expected.
The remembrance weekend is also a good opportunity to remember the work currently being undertaken by our armed forces, who not only defend our country but also work to provide humanitarian support where it is needed and promote the UK’s influence across the world. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have served in the past and to those who serve today, and for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember them.
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 9th November 2023.
