Remembrance weekend: Why it’s more important now than ever that we remember veterans

Now, more than ever, it is worth reminding ourselves of the sacrifices upon which the peace and freedom we all enjoy is built on. And that is why Remembrance Sunday is so important.

It gives the nation an opportunity to not only thank and pay tribute to the veterans who selflessly fought for the values that make this country great.

But also of the need for the current and future generations to continue to strive to protect what they fought for. Especially as there are very few veterans who served during the Second World War remaining.

War is never far away and tensions are flaring across the globe. But the fact that war is taking place on Europe’s doorstep should be a reminder of the need to protect the freedoms that we too often take for granted.

Yorkshire’s landscape is dotted with reminders of the sacrifices ordinary people made. And the region is proud of these memorials. Therefore praise must be given to all those who are doing their bit to keep the memory of veterans alive.

It will be good to see the Princess of Wales to attend both the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend, as she makes a gradual return to public royal duties following her cancer diagnosis.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, joined by Cabinet ministers and defence chiefs.