15/08/2026
Today, in Hemel Hempstead’s beautiful Walled Garden, I joined fellow councillors, members of the Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion for a moving VJ Day service, coming together to remember and honour all those who served and sacrificed in the Far East.
It was incredibly moving service and it was so great to meet veterans, soldiers and relatives of those who served, and to hear their stories. An extended group of sons and daughters came to honour their father and grandfather and spoke about how important it is to keep these memories alive within families and to pass them on to future generations.
Peter told me about how he visits schools to share the history - and made the important point that it is not only children who sometimes need reminding, but teachers and adults too. As the years pass and living memory becomes more distant, remembrance and education become even more important.
Take a moment to remember today. We must never forget the courage, sacrifice and terrible suffering of those who served, and of the families who waited for them at home.
They gave their tomorrows for our todays.
Lest we forget. 🌺
