"On Remembrance Sunday and on Monday 11th November, residents across Basildon and Billericay will join the nation marking the service and sacrifice of the many brave men and women from across our towns and villages who gave their lives so that we could live without fear and enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear.
One of the highest honours of being your Member of Parliament is being able to represent my constituents at commemorative events in the days leading up to and on Armistice Day.
Last week I placed a remembrance cross for all those across the constituency who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Parliamentary Garden of Remembrance in Parliament. I was also honoured to speak in the Remembrance and Veterans debate in the House of Commons, it was wonderful to be able to mention one of our local heroes, D-Day veteran Don Sheppard, who died earlier this year at 104 years old.
Every year, the Royal British Legion invites MPs to support and raise awareness for the Poppy Appeal, this year it is to cycle as far as they can in 5 minutes to help raise vital funds. While being a bit of fun it is also an important way for parliamentarians to play their part in raising awareness, especially amongst younger generations, about the need to continue to support our veterans.
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, I’ll be visiting all the war memorials in Basildon and Billericay and look forward to joining residents in Billericay on Sunday at 11am and in Laindon in the afternoon. Cllr Jeff Henry will be laying the wreath in Basildon on my behalf on Sunday morning and I will be in Basildon at 11am on Armistice Day itself.
If you can’t make it to one of the events taking place, then I strongly encourage you to visit your local memorial at some point for a moment of contemplation of those who gave their tomorrows for our today."
