I had the honour of taking part in multiple Remembrance Day ceremonies on Sunday.

I attended Stonehouse in the morning and at Dursley in the afternoon where I laid wreaths. I also laid a wreath in my village at Frampton on Severn.

At Dursley, the names of local men killed in World War One and World War Two were read out at the church. Canon Michael Cozens also told us stories about those who went to war and never came home. Young men. Dursley men. It was all very moving.

I had the privilege of parading with veterans, including many from the famous Gloucestershire Regiment and its successor regiments, and in glorious weather. It was great to hear the banter between the veterans too.

Cadets, scouts, guides, schools and other youth and adult organisations were all immaculately turned out at the events. It is important that younger generations understand the service and sacrifice of the older ones.

It is not just about the World Wars either. The Gloucestershire Regiment fought with great heroism in the Korean War, for example. Sadly, there have been many conflicts that have cost British service personnel their lives since 1945. Northern Ireland, The Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan are just some of them. Every year we proudly remember those who died for their country.

I would like to thank everyone who helped organise ceremonies across Stroud, the Valleys and Vale and those who took part. I would also like to thank the public who joined in their hundreds to pay their respects. It is an important day in our country’s calendar.

On a similar note, I have worked with veterans through issues that they and their families have raised with me locally and I remain dedicated to veteran support. It is important that our veteran community is heard and looked after.

The Government has launched a 12-week online survey to give ex-UK Armed Forces personnel and their families the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the government about their experiences, access to, and use of, services for veterans.

 

Siobhan Baillie