Ahead of Remembrance Day on Sunday 8 November, and Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November, Councillor Rosie Dawson, Chair of Devon County Council, shares a message of remembrance and gratitude, honouring those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present.
Rosie writes:
The Royal British Legion is holding numerous Remembrance events this year, during the Poppy Appeal, to commemorate the fallen.
In Remembrance we keep their memory alive, and, by acknowledging the devastating acts of the past, we hope to learn and not to repeat them.
For many people, Remembrance is associated with the fallen of the First and Second World Wars, to whom we owe an incalculable debt of gratitude. I note with sobriety that it is now 108 years since the First World War ended and 81 years since the conclusion of World War Two.
The practical nature of conflict may have changed in certain ways over time, but the fundamental horror of war is no different. At this time of year we should also reflect on the sacrifice of those who served in more recent conflicts around the globe, including the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. Notably, this year marks the 15th Anniversary of the Iraq War which claimed the lives of 179 British Armed Forces personnel and injured more than 6,000.
In an increasingly tumultuous and uncertain world we offer our gratitude for the courage and diligence of those who work to keep us safe every day: in particular, our Armed Forces and Blue Light personnel, as well as the families who support them.
I am certain the people of Devon will, once again, wear their Poppy with pride this year and find their own personal way to mark this important event, whether in the privacy of their home or by attending a public event.
Whatever you do, I wish you well and urge you all to look out for one another. In challenging times our communities play an increasingly pivotal role, offering practical support and enhancing our collective wellbeing.
Yours sincerely
Councillor Rosie Dawson
Chair of Devon County Council
