Remembrance Day is a time when we remember all those in our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in service to our country, and here in Llanelli, whatever the weather, there is an excellent turn out for the service in the grounds of the Town Hall. But it is an especially poignant time for the families and friends who are still living with the loss of loved ones, and it is particularly moving when they walk forward with such dignity to place their wreaths on the war memorial.
This year for the first time, the names of the most recently fallenwill be there for all to see on a new memorial erected next to the existing war memorials in the Town Hall grounds. This new memorial commemorates the fifteen servicemen from Llanelli who have been killed in eight conflicts since the end of the Second World War, including the most recent: Lance Corporal Ryan Francis killed in Iraq and Lance Corporal David Dennis and Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick killed in Afghanistan. I feel very privileged to be attending a special service to unveil and dedicate this new memorial this week in readiness for Remembrance Day, and I would like to thank, on behalf of all of us, all those who have worked hard and given generously to ensure that we have a fitting and lasting memorial to these brave men.
But as the Royal British Legion reminds us, the Poppy Appeal is not just about those who have died, but also about our modern-day veterans – showing our gratitude for their service and ensuring that the Arms Forces Covenant really delivers for them the prompt access to the quality services that they need. That is a responsibility we should all take very seriously.
Shadow Defence Secretary @NiaGriffithMP joins our #IRemember campaign with this heartfelt tribute to three fallen soldiers. Link to video here: https://twitter.com/bfbs/status/793862956354273281