Lest we forget

AT THIS time of year our thoughts turn to the men and women who have given their lives for their country. The generosity of local people, and their unflinching support for the nation’s armed forces, mean thousands of pounds will again be raised in this area for the Royal British Legion.

The legion’s army of volunteers have been busy collecting in towns and villages.

Most supporters will have bought poppies and are wearing them with pride.

Remembrance is an annual tradition that arose out of the horrors of the first world war, but conflict continues today and the work of the legion is as relevant now as it ever was.

Events taking place over the next few days will focus minds on the debt owed to those who have been prepared to defend our country with their lives, and to those who continue to do so.

On-going conflicts, not least in Afghanistan, mean the legion’s support for those who have served or are currently serving in the British armed forces, and their dependants, needs to remain at the forefront of people’s minds after the annual Poppy Appeal is over.

Meanwhile, the children’s service in Newark Parish Church is a vital part of the remembrance process, instilling a sense of its significance in the minds of those generations whose responsibility it will be to ensure the sacrifice of so many is never forgotten.

The exemplary attitude and behaviour of 200 or so Newark area school pupils on Tuesday is a sure indication that will never happen.