This Sunday marks the centenary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Everybody was affected in some way, either on the frontline or back at home where people waited anxiously to hear whether their loved ones were safe. East Wittering is one of just 53 villages in Britain that survived the Great War where every soldier returned home safely and is the only such ‘thankful village’ in Sussex.
On Tuesday I was privileged to be called to speak in the Armistice debate in Parliament to mark the centenary. I used my speech to tell the stories of our heroes like local resident Private William Turner who died aboard HMS Queen Mary in the Battle of Jutland as just one of many family histories which show the sacrifice people made to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.
Last week my team and I joined servicemen in Westminster to collect donations for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal and help with their target of raising £1 million in a single day. Whilst out we bumped into the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery from RAF Thorney Island, who were also in London selling poppies to passers-by. What struck me was the number of overseas tourists and young people who approached us to ask us what the poppies represented, and the generous donations they gave after finding out their significance. A few even explained they had relatives back home who were either serving abroad or were retired veterans.
Several events are set to mark armistice day throughout Chichester and local schools are doing their part to remember the fallen. When I visited Bosham Primary School last week I had the opportunity to see every class making their own poppy badges and wreaths that are to be used in Friday’s service at Bosham Holy Trinity Church. Great Ballard School has its own remembrance ceremony on Friday, where I’ll join students and Falklands veteran Charlie Threlfall in laying a wreath at nearby St. Margaret’s Church in Eartham. It is wonderful to see so many young people remembering those brave men and women who sacrificed so much and paid the ultimate price as they gave their today for our tomorrow.