LAST week I spent time with our brave servicemen and women in Kenya as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, writes Rachel Maclean.
The programme enables MPs from all parties to better understand the role of our Armed Forces so we’re more informed when making decisions on deployment, defence spending and other issues which affect our servicemen and women.
What we often forget, and I include myself in this, is the humanitarian role of our Armed Forces.
From delivering and distributing aid to war zones and natural disasters, our Armed Forces provide support for countries around the world in their time of need.
During my time in Kenya I was struck by how committed our troops are to serving their country. I knew this beforehand, but seeing it for myself was incredibly moving and inspiring.
We should all be proud of our servicemen and women, and our veterans.
We can honour our Armed Forces by remembering the sacrifices they make to keep us all safe.
Our country does this beautifully every year when we come together on Remembrance Sunday to not only mark the end of the First World War, and to remember those who lost their lives, but to remember those who died in subsequent conflicts, and to honour those currently serving.
I was taken aback by the thousands of residents who descended on Redditch town centre last Sunday to pay their respects and to join in with the remembrance commemorations.
Our town came together and it was humbling to be part of. I count it as a real honour to be able to lay a wreath, with local politicians from all parties, to pay our respects to Redditch’s fallen.
Once again Redditch Royal British Legion did a superb job in organising our town’s commemorations and for bringing residents together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.
