Every November, communities across Suffolk Coastal come together to remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country. From Remembrance services in each of our towns, to ceremonies in the smallest of villages across our constituency, it is always moving to see so many people take the time to pay their respects.

Over the past few years, I’ve been really struck by the numbers of people gathering to give remembrance. I think we often have a sense, or perhaps a fear, that as a society we might begin to forget the huge sacrifices so many men and women gave – in both World Wars and all the conflicts since – to protect our nation, and our values. But each year, for me personally that fear is put to rest – and I am humbled and proud to see so many, across all generations, coming together to remember. I hope that you too have been struck by the same feeling in recent years.

Of course, the involvement of schools, young cadets and even cubs, brownies and scouts is so important in helping to ensure that the stories and sacrifices of those who came before us are heard and carried forward to the next generation.

Remembrance provides an important moment to reflect that behind every name on a war memorial is a person with a family, friends and a future they never got to experience. These were people from our own communities who left their homes to serve, often making the ultimate sacrifice. Their stories are an important part of our local history and deserve to be remembered.

Though remembrance is not simply about looking back. It is also about recognising the service and sacrifice of those serving today – and making sure that we value and support them and their families while they are part of our communities.

We have a strong and proud connection to our Armed Forces here in Suffolk Coastal. Rock Barracks at Sutton Heath is an important part of our local community and is the new home to 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment and 70 Gurkha Parachute Squadron. I was delighted to welcome the Gurkhas and their families to Woodbridge with a community event hosted by the Mayor of Woodbridge and myself, and I have continued to provide support to military families in our area, and to make sure they know that my office