As another Remembrance Sunday passes, it is important to note how significant an event it is.

In a time of economic turmoil and lack of trust in politicians it is one of the few events in the country which unites everyone in honouring men and women who died defending this country in the two world wars and beyond.

It is given added power by the fact that our soldiers are fighting and dying in Afganistan at the moment and we honour those that have died there over the last year. Whether people support or oppose our involvement in that conflict nobody can deny the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers there.

What prompted me to write was a TV interview I saw on the BBC by a man claiming that the Remembrance Day events were not “inclusive” enough to immigrant communities in Britain today. The ignorance of this man about what happened during the two world wars is staggering. For a start in both wars soldiers fought and died with Britain from India, Pakistan, the West Indies and beyond. That is why the Ambassadors for these countries are present at Remembrance Day. As for immigrants from eastern Europe, not only did Polish and Czech Airmen fight bravely in the Battle of Britain in 1940, but Britain declared war in 1939 to protect Poland and East Europe from Nazi aggression.

Rememberance Sunday could not be more inclusive and is something which can unite us all. The soldiers we honour were from all classes, from all parts of the country, all religions, all political persuasions and all colours. The Rememberance day parade through Borehamwood was very humbling — all parts of our local community turned out. For me it reflected perfectly this absolute inclusivity, united by the common belief that all of us will not and must not, ever forget.

It is to this country’s credit that we honour those brave men and women’s sacrifice.

Councillor Hannah David
Hillside ward