Whilst the tradition of wearing a poppy and marking Remembrance Sunday can be traced back to the First World War, it’s important to remember that the Poppy Appeal and acts of remembrance are not confined to those that served in the early part of the 20th century; it’s also an opportunity to remember all those who served in conflicts since.
2024 marked the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy Landings, 25 years since the UK’s armed forces were involved in Kosovo and 10 years since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan.
From talking to veterans, I know how special and rewarding a career in the armed forces can be - but I also know there can be an enormous physical and mental toll that comes with it.
It’s important to remember that it’s not just those that serve who are affected, but also the families and friends that support those in the armed forces.
That is where the RBL, and the money raised through their Poppy Appeal, comes in to help members of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and the British Army, veterans and their families.
As they proudly proclaim, their support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.
At this year’s Poppy Appeal launch, the charity explained how the RBL wanted to use this year’s campaign to highlight the mental scars linked to military service.
At the launch event, held at HMS President in London, members of the Armed Forces community took part in mindfulness and meditation sessions, while others shared their moving stories of the psychological impact their time serving had on them.
So please do consider donating what you can to the RBL so that they can continue their amazing work supporting service men and women and their families.
Explore Hatfield - Hatfield Park War Cemetery.
As well as the Memorial Gardens, opposite the train station, which the town council looks after, Hatfield also has a second place of remembrance.
The Hatfield Park War Cemetery dates back to when Hatfield House was used as a hospital during World War II and fall under the guardianship of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The site, accessible from steep steps along the A1000 Great North Road (What3Words location: fuel.note.lamp) contains the graves of 20 serviceman and a de Havilland flight test observer who lost his life.
Hatfield Town Council’s Remembrance Sunday Service is on Sunday November 10. Parade from Hatfield House: 10.30am. Service in Memorial Gardens (opposite Hatfield train station): 10.45am.
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