COLUMN by Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie 

I HAD the honour of taking part in quite a few Remembrance events across the district in honour of those who have died to protect us, our veterans and those who continue to serve in our armed forces across the globe.

In the run up to remembrance Sunday, I attended Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Remembrance Service alongside some of my fellow Gloucestershire MPs, the Chief Constable Rod Hansen and our Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.

Together we observed a period of silence as well as paying our respects to the members of the constabulary who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

I was also proud to place a remembrance wreath on the train at Stonehouse as part of GWR’s and the Veterans Charity Poppies to Paddington journey.

Once the wreaths arrived in London, they were moved to the War Memorial at Paddington station to mark Remembrance Day.

On Saturday, I paused canvassing to mark the Minute’s Silence and on Sunday I was able to go to the parade and service in Stonehouse where I laid a wreath on behalf of my constituents.

I then made my way to Dursley to take part in the parade and service and lay a wreath. I also gave the reading at St James’ Church. In my home village of Frampton on Severn I had a wreath laid on my behalf at St Mary’s.

I would like to thank everyone who attended in such large numbers and especially to all those who organise these services and parades every year.

It is an important part of our national calendar.

The district’s cadet forces were particularly tremendous at all the parades I attended. The Air Training Corps, the Sea Cadets, the Army Cadets and the Combined Cadets Force were brilliant alongside the Scouts, Guides, Squirrels and Brownies.

It is important that young people understand the sacrifice of previous generations and I encourage all parents to look into enrolling their children into cadet groups and organisations.