In marking Armistice Day, ahead of the two-minute silence at 11:00 am that will take place across the nation, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has issued a statement of reflection and remembrance:
“Remembrance Day is a most poignant time of collective reflection on the service and sacrifice of our armed forces personnel in Britain, the Commonwealth, and beyond. The remarkable acts of courage and bravery, in the name of democracy and freedom, shall never be forgotten.
“Many residents will have their own memories, either of relatives who went away to serve our nation or of their own, more recent experiences of conflicts. The welcome return of more traditional Remembrance Day services and parades will offer the chance for quiet, individual reflection.”
The first Remembrance Day was held on 11 November 1921, following a campaign led by Earl Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the Army during the First World War, and founder of the British Legion.
In marking the centenary of the organisation, Mrs Finch-Saunders met with representatives of the RBL where they discussed the charity’s support for unpaid carers in the community and the Admiral Nursing service run in partnership with Dementia UK. Commenting on the meeting, Janet said:
“This year’s remembrance is particularly poignant for the Royal British Legion, as the organisation marks its centenary. Over the last 100 years, the RBL has carried out truly inspirational and selfless work, supporting serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
“Providing emotional and psychological support to those in the Armed Forces community caring for someone with dementia, it is practical networks like the Admiral Nursing service that underlines the profound impact that the RBL continues to have in its campaigns to champion the interests of our service personnel and their families.”
Mrs Finch-Saunders will attend the remembrance ceremony at Llandudno War Memorial on Sunday, with wreaths due to be laid on her behalf by representatives at ceremonies in Conwy and Llanrwst.
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS with the RBL
