REMEMBRANCE DAY

By Cheryl Salmon

The facts:  there have been over 7000 operational deaths in the Armed Forces since 1945 in areas ranging from Malaya to Korea and Cyprus to large numbers in Northern Ireland, closely followed by the Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq – not including those thousands left seriously injured for life.(Defence Statistics 2024)

“We do not need to be in a world war to be in a world at war” (Paul Poast. University of Chicago)

What follows are comments on what Remembrance  Day means to them from villagers who are either veterans or serving members of the Armed Forces.

“As a retired member of the Armed Forces, the significance of Remembrance Day, is a day where the nation can come together to pay their tributes and respect to all those who have lost their lives in war or conflicts. Remembrance Day also acknowledges the ongoing support of all serving members of the Armed Forces, for their continuing protection of our democracy, freedom and the security of the nations.  It is a day in which to reflect upon the freedom we enjoy as a nation and how this has been achieved and maintained, in a world where wars and conflicts are so prevalent.” Tom Parker

“From my memories of my time in service, Remembrance Sunday was a day of dwindling attendance and observation and for the most part, Armistice Day was ignored.  Yet, for me, there was a poignance about the occasion which struck home.  I never knew anyone killed on active duty but lost many friends to training accidents and the act of remembrance became more personal.

I was glad when the people of Wooton Bassett started the tradition of lining the streets of the town to acknowledge the returning fallen.  I credit their actions and of course, the deaths they honoured, as the turning point for the observation of Remembrance Sunday in our country and for the reinstatement of Armistice Day as a time to remember as well. Indeed, I have reintroduced Armistice Day observation at all the churches where I have served.

It is vital that we as a nation acknowledge what our servicemen and women sign on for when they join up and the price that some of them may be called upon to pay.  Lest we forget!”  Reverend Robb

“Remembrance brings me joy and sorrow.  I remember all the good times, the laughter, the banter, the hard times with my friends/brothers roughing it in a trench, yomping across Welsh valleys and hills!  Cuddling together to stay warm. It makes me remember those that didn’t come back from the operations/conflicts and those that came back but couldn’t leave it all behind and felt they had to end their own lives or suffer in silence (me for one .) I remember!”  Gunner

“We spend a lot of time throughout the year celebrating different events, but there is no event in the year that should stand louder and prouder than Remembrance.  This celebrates the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many men and women to liberate freedom throughout the world.  This isn’t just about the two world wars: it is about so much more.  We cannot forget those who thought only of us”. The Team at The Masons

“Most immediately Remembrance Day brings to mind those who fell in the two great wars against Germany, but more considered reflection turns my thoughts to the ten members of the Regiment in which I served who died on active service during my military career.Then there were the many more who suffered horrendous life changing wounds resulting in both physical and mental disabilities. Perhaps, however, we should regard the 11th November as a stark warning not to take our security and freedoms for granted.”   A Veteran

" As a serving Army Officer, one of the factors that led me to join was as a nod to my grandfather, who fought in the WW2. He is in my thoughts at Remembrance, alongside those with whom he served who took part in that great undertaking 80 years ago.

The early part of my career coincided with the period when British Forces were deployed on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Much of the focus of Remembrance in the media is on the service and sacrifice of the two World Wars.  Our Armed Forces involvement in more recent conflicts, far from home, with the importance and relevance to national security somewhat less tangible, brings a different perspective when it comes to Remembrance. Thinking of those who served and lost their lives in these recent conflicts, together with my grandfather's generation, is also poignant and important to me." Phil Goodier

We need to remember – and learn from the past.

Our Armed Forces protect our freedoms. At a price!

“At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we will remember them”