After attending Remembrance Day commemorations at St John the Baptist Church in High Barnet, Theresa Villiers reflects on the importance of this annual occasion:
“It is always an honour and a privilege for me to take part in events to mark Remembrance Day. This annual opportunity to remember the incredible courage of servicemen and women is one we should all take seriously.
The past few years have seen a series of centenary dates enabling us to look back on the appalling loss of life and incredible heroism of the First World War. I have been involved in a number of those commemorations. For example, the Battle of the Somme has great significance in the history of the people of Northern Ireland and my former role as Secretary of State meant that in the 2016 centenary year, I attended commemoration services in France taking place at various sites around the battlefield.
Next year, we will be marking the centenary of the very first Armistice Day which brought World War One to an end at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. I am sure this will be a very big occasion for the whole nation as we once again pay tribute to the people who lost their lives or suffered terrible injuries.
It is also important on Remembrance Sunday to reflect on those who serve in our armed forces today with bravery and dedication.”
Remembrance events in High Barnet started with a parade from the Territorial Army Centre in St Albans Road down the high street to St John the Baptist Church, including representatives from various military regiments as well as cadets and veterans. Crowds lined the route of the procession. Theresa Villiers laid a wreath at the war memorial, along with Cllr David Longstaff and a number of other local organisations. This was followed by a service of remembrance in the church.
Other events to mark Remembrance Sunday took place throughout the borough of Barnet.