SIR,
It seems that the strong turnout of people, young and old, attending the Remembrance ceremonies which took place in Monmouth this Sunday is but a reflection of what happened all over the country this year.
This is happening at a time when we could reasonably have expected numbers to have dwindled as the memories of two world wars are fading away.
This can only have come about through a renewed understanding of what it is that we are asking of our men and women serving in the Armed Services in Afghanistan and until recently in Iraq.
Surely in all of this there is also a message of sympathy and support which we wish also to send their families, not least the bereaved, and those having to cope with the effects of serious wounding.
Last Sunday (14th November) we renewed our pledge – We Will Remember Them.
This pledge applies just as much for the living, those who are left and suffering, as it does for the dead.
By its very nature, this is a long term commitment and something which we need to be mindful of – a message not just for the Government but for us all.
Toby Elliott
(President Monmouth Branch Royal British Legion)