Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday this year happens to fall on 11th November and is therefore just over two weeks away. Poppies are now appearing in the lapels of those who feel it important to remember all of those brave men and women who have given their lives and also to those injured and all of their families, over the last hundred years in the service of their country. I am wearing mine.

I have watched the Remembrance Day parades on the television every year for as long as I can recall and each year there seem to be fewer and fewer veterans taking part although some seem to go to extra-ordinary lengths to do so. Sooner or later none of those who fought in either World War will be marching, this year may be the year that no-one who fought in the First World War is taking part.

I would like to think that this act of Remembrance and all of the associated activities that take place throughout the world will continue for all time. However, I have concerns that in my lifetime, as a result of the apathy and selfish attitudes that seem all too prevalent in our society, only a token gesture will one day be made which replaces that which now takes place.

In Wiltshire, the launch of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal will be marked tomorrow (Friday 26th October), by an open top bus joined by vehicles from the local Atwell Wilson Motor Museum parading through the centre of my home town of Calne. The vehicles will be carrying Royal British Legion members, veterans and children who will be presenting the first poppy to the Deputy Mayor of Calne, Mercy Baggs (my Aunt, should you be wondering). It is intended that this launch will bring renewed awareness of the need for more “Poppy Collectors” but also to remind people that it is the biggest welfare organisation for service men and women in the United Kingdom today and will also serve to maintain an awareness of the need for Remembrance. To find out more about The Poppy Appeal and the work of the Royal British Legion, see

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

I would like to think that we really will not forget them.