November always holds special significance for me, as both a former Defence Minister and now Commissioner for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, put into sharper focus this year by the continuing war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The history of Shropshire is intertwined with the sacrifices made by countless men and women who answered the call of duty during times of conflict. Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are marked across the county, as indeed across the country, as we come together to honour the fallen and reflect on the enduring importance of remembrance. These are perhaps felt all the more acutely as we see the different way in which war dead are treated in current conflicts.
Shropshire, like most parts of the UK, bears the scars of war. From the towns of Bridgnorth and Ludlow to the villages dotting the countryside, each corner of this county has a story to tell. The names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are etched in the local war memorials, reminding us that freedom comes at a price.
Interestingly, South Shropshire is home to the only Thankful Village in our county – the village of Harley, just outside Much Wenlock. Thankful Villages are those who lost no men during the First World War, of which there are only thought to be 53 in the entire country. The fact there are so few shows the scale of the human destruction wrought by the First World War.
The impact of the First World War lives on in our national psyche. Our National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph, erected as a temporary monument after the end of the War, only to be left in perpetuity due to its resonance with all those who had served and the wider public at the time.
We also have the most visible reminder of the First World War in November - the red poppy adorning lapels and dresses, serving as a vivid reminder of the bloodshed and sacrifice of those who fought for our liberty. In Shropshire we have excellent volunteers who raise money for the Royal British Legion throughout their poppy appeal, and I encourage local residents to support them and wear their poppy with pride.
I try to attend as many local services as I can to mark remembrance, this year attending four across the constituency. While I cannot make them all, it is a welcome sign of our commitment to the memory of the fallen that we still hold so many services and well supported parades in towns and villages across South Shropshire.
As I mentioned in my last Letter from Westminster, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website (www.cwgc.org) details locations of local grave sites, including names of those commemorated, for those who wish to pay their respects this month. We are always looking for volunteers to help maintain the more isolated graves, and the website gives details of how to volunteer to look after a grave near you, should you wish to get involved.