I was honoured to take part in Richmond’s Remembrance Day ceremony today. The British Legion, local officials, military and volunteers came together to stage an excellent tribute. I walked in the parade, attended the church service at St Mary’s and laid a wreath on behalf of Rt Hon William Hague MP at the War Memorial in Friary Gardens.
It was wonderful to see so many people from the community, young and old, out on the streets to watch our soldiers and show their respect. Two elements of Revd John Chambers excellent sermon stayed with me. He asked us to consider what we had done and what we were doing today with the sacrifice of our forefathers. And he also reminded us that “the best way to honour the dead is to care for the living”.
I have two young daughters and this is the first year they have begun to properly understand what our Poppy stands for. My wife and I took them on a trip to see the incredibly poppy memorial at the Tower of London and like millions of others we were moved by grief and gratitude.
It is important that our young people participate in Remembrance events so that we can continue to honour the sacrifice and bravery shown by our armed forces for years to come.