Lest we forget as wartime sacrifice becomes more poignant – Dan Jarvis

THERE’S no getting away from the fact that this year’s period of Remembrance will be like no other before.
Barnsley is proud of its links with the military and, normally, holds one of Yorkshire's largest services every Remembrance Sunday.Barnsley is proud of its links with the military and, normally, holds one of Yorkshire's largest services every Remembrance Sunday.
Barnsley is proud of its links with the military and, normally, holds one of Yorkshire's largest services every Remembrance Sunday.

This wretched disease means we can’t be together in person, but it is now more important than ever that we are together in spirit.

I am always left inspired by the reverence Yorkshire shows for our Armed Forces community.

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In my home town of Barnsley, thousands of people turn out every year – rain or shine – to pay their respects to the service and sacrifice others have made.

Dan Jarvis MBE is the Labour MP for Barnsley Central, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region and a former British Army Major.Dan Jarvis MBE is the Labour MP for Barnsley Central, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region and a former British Army Major.
Dan Jarvis MBE is the Labour MP for Barnsley Central, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region and a former British Army Major.

It is a stirring lesson in community solidarity and I know its absence will be sorely felt.

As it was in May when we commemorated the anniversary of VE Day, Remembrance Sunday is yet another reminder of just how privileged we are that a number of veterans from that conflict are still with us today.

Our town is immensely proud to call Tom Hicks one of our own: at 101 years young, the Arnhem veteran represents the very best of us.

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The freedoms we enjoy today are a result of his determination – we must cherish him and his comrades while we can.

Barnsley is proud of its links with 101-year-old Arnhem veteran Tom Hicks who was still playing tennis two years ago.Barnsley is proud of its links with 101-year-old Arnhem veteran Tom Hicks who was still playing tennis two years ago.
Barnsley is proud of its links with 101-year-old Arnhem veteran Tom Hicks who was still playing tennis two years ago.

As their stories move from living memory to the pages of history, it is incumbent on us all to ensure their legacy stands forever.

And just as the Second World War generation did 75 years ago, we too must overcome an extraordinary challenge. We should remember the courage, character and resilience they showed and draw strength from their solidarity.

This isn’t an excuse to use vapid ‘Blitz-spirt’ platitudes but about the need to carry out our civic and moral duty. Following the public health guidance is onerous and inconvenient but we can’t lose sight of why we need to comply with the rules: to protect people like Tom.

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As well as being a collective expression of our gratitude and commitment, Remembrance is a deeply personal experience.

This was the scene in Barnsley when Remembrance Sunday coincided with Armistice Day on November 11, 1984.This was the scene in Barnsley when Remembrance Sunday coincided with Armistice Day on November 11, 1984.
This was the scene in Barnsley when Remembrance Sunday coincided with Armistice Day on November 11, 1984.

As someone who served and saw friends fall, the act of commemoration is particularly important to me personally. Not just because of the respect I have for the sacrifice others made, but because I hope that in the years to come, the sacrifice made by my friends will also be remembered.

It’s nearly 10 years since I left the Army. I used to fear that as time went on, I might slowly forget my experiences, my comrades. As the years have ticked away, I’ve found that the opposite is true. The more distant those memories get, the stronger they become.

On Sunday morning, my thoughts will again turn to those who didn’t return from deployments and to those who did but lost their lives in the time since.

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Remembrance is also an opportunity to say thank you to those who continue to serve today.

Members of 4th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiments  Burma Company take part in Remembrance Sunday in Barnsley in 2015.Members of 4th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiments  Burma Company take part in Remembrance Sunday in Barnsley in 2015.
Members of 4th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiments Burma Company take part in Remembrance Sunday in Barnsley in 2015.

Our Armed Forces don’t occupy the headlines in the way they did only a few years ago, but we must always champion those who made the life-changing decision to join. It’s been incredibly heartening to see our service men and women back in the public eye and supporting the national effort to overcome this crisis.

This period of remembrance comes at a time when we’re all focused on Covid and what the coming winter months will bring. In Yorkshire alone, thousands of people have tragically lost their lives and our economy is being decimated.

Families are unable to meet in a way we used to take for granted. Workers face months of reduced pay and the possibility of unemployment. And businesses left unsure if they’ll survive.

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There is no doubt about the huge difficulties we face but this public health crisis should not – and cannot – break the cycle of Remembrance.

The Royal British Legion has done an exceptional job of coming up with innovative ways to ensure that under these testing circumstances we can all still take part.

We owe those – like Tom – who put their lives on the line for us a massive debt. Their sacrifice must always be commemorated. Remembrance was, is, and will forever be, a moment to reflect on the past and everyone who died to protect and build the Britain we live in today. And a moment to repay that debt by working towards a more peaceful future.

In that respect, this year is no different.

Dan Jarvis MBE is the Labour MP for Barnsley Central, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region and a former British Army Major.

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