For myself and thousands of veterans, service personnel, and service families, the month of November is particularly poignant for us all in Wrexham. This time allows servicemen, women, veterans, and their families and the public to come together and remember. Even though Remembrance Sunday has just passed, I thought it would be fitting to share how I paid my respects on behalf of Wrexham in Parliament and locally this November.
As we approached Remembrance Sunday, I was honoured to plant my tribute on behalf of Wrexham in the Garden of Remembrance in Parliament, at a service conducted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War and this fitting ceremony gives recognition and allowed me, on behalf of Wrexham to thank all those who have and continue to serve in our Armed Forces.
Locally, I supported the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal by helping gather donations in Asda, alongside cadets from The Royal Welsh (RWF), based at Hightown Barracks. Wrexham has a long and proud military history and having secured the future of Hightown Barracks, it was pleasing to hear about Wrexham’s strong and growing cadet and Army Reserve presence at the Barracks. The generosity of Wrexham people in supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal never fails to amaze me. Our city’s true sense of community spirit and generosity undeniably shines through as a beacon of light in this time of commemoration.
On Remembrance Day itself, it was humbling to attend and to see so many at the Armistice Day Ceremony at Queen’s Square in Wrexham. To be amongst so many residents gathered was heart-warming. The day after, alongside Wrexham’s numerous veterans’ associations, I was honoured to attend a service at the Normandy Veterans Memorial and lay a Parliamentary wreath at the R. W. F. Memorial, Bodhyfryd in Wrexham, paying tribute to our service personnel past and present. We will remember them.