Political opinion with Alison Griffiths MP: I wear my poppy with pride
In her weekly column for Sussex World, Alison Griffiths – MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton – writes about supporting past and present service personnel.
The Royal British Legion and their Poppy Appeal collectors have once again done a terrific job this year raising funds to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.
I have seen collectors across the Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and our surrounding villages, as well as in London, at Victoria Railway Station where I arrive and depart for my work in Westminster.
Last year the Poppy Appeal raised £51.4million which helps them continue their vital work. There are more then two million Armed Forces veterans living in the UK and the Royal British Legion is there to support them and their families.
At this time of year, we reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country - the people who lost their lives to protect Great Britain and to keep her free.
We remember, too, those who are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, both here and abroad. Not only should we be grateful for their ongoing commitment, but we share our thanks to their families, who do not see their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, partners, mums or dads when they are serving overseas for months at a time.
I attended the Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade in Rustington which was organised by Rustington Parish Council. The service took place at the village’s War Memorial and was led by the Reverend Natalie Loveless and the Reverend Rosemarie Clarke. Wreaths were laid and the Last Post was played, always a highly emotional moment for all in attendance.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this event and to those who organised or participated in similar parades and services across Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and the surrounding villages.
Contact me: [email protected] or write to: Alison Griffiths MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA if you need to contact me about any matters. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram as Alison Griffiths MP.