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.
