Wednesday 11 November 2015

Newspaper column - 11 November 2015 - Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day; it was at 11am on 11th November 1918 that hostilities ceased, marking the end of the First World War.  The Armistice had been signed that morning, and the order went out immediately for all fighting to cease by 11am.  We continue to mark that moment 97 years later. 

Remembrance Day was established in 1919 and has continued since then, but now honours those who fell in the subsequent wars as well.  The act of honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice is as relevant today as it was then.  Indeed, to my knowledge, the latest name to be added to the names of the fallen from this constituency is that of Elijah Bond who fell in Afghanistan in 2011 and whose name is inscribed on the memorial at Mevagissey.   

Our fellow countrymen continue to give their lives to secure a peaceful future for our children, and today we have members of our armed forces in harm’s way in combat situations across the globe.   With the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, the dream of a peaceful world seems as elusive as ever.

As usual many communities marked Remembrance Sunday this weekend with parades and services.  I was honoured to join the parades and then to lay wreaths at Newquay in the morning and St Austell in the afternoon. I was also very grateful to members of my team who represented me in Mevagissey, Fowey, St Columb Major and St Dennis. Despite the blustery conditions the turnout remains strong at each of these events and those who plan and organise each event do a fantastic job.

At the end of September, I wrote about Captain Agar-Robartes who was the sitting MP for mid-Cornwall when he died on 30th September 1915 as a result of injuries sustained in battle.  The marking of these events has made me pause to think on the passing of time. Born 20 years after the end of the Second World War, I can only imagine what it must have been like to live through conflict, either as a combatant or at home, waiting for loved ones to return.

Like many people my grandfather served in the Second World War and experienced the horrors of war in the Navy. My thoughts are always drawn to him on Remembrance Day as I recall the few occasions he told us about his experiences.

I am very aware of the responsibility being an MP brings, to make the right and at times difficult decisions when it comes to the defence of our nation and protection of others in an ever more dangerous world. The decision as to when and how to deploy troops is brought home on Remembrance Day.   This is a responsibility I intend to take extremely seriously.

Today is about remembrance.  Let us remember the men and women who gave their lives for us in the past and honour those who continue to risk their lives today.

My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency. If there is any issue that we can help you with then please contact us on either 01726 829379 or on office@stevedouble.org.uk