YP Comment: Armstice respect

IT is to the credit of today's generation that public participation in solemn events to mark Armistice Day, the silencing of the guns to mark the end of the First World War, has grown since the last veterans passed away.

Thankfully, this is not because of self-serving politicians or those who have tried to hijack the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal for their own ends. It’s because there is a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who did survive conflicts like the Battle of the Somme which was being fought to a bloody stalemate 100 years ago.

And, to those who feared that events to mark the Great War’s centenary would be distasteful, the commemorations have not only been dignified and respectful but they have also engaged with youngsters who want to learn more about their ancestors who gave their lives in the name of liberty, the most priceless value of all. As such, the period of silence at 11am will never be more heartfelt or impeccably observed. We will remember them.

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