Whatever our differences, we all respect the contribution made to our security and national integrity by members of our armed forces many of whom make extreme sacrifices at a very young age.This Sunday I will join service men and women, families and civic dignitaries to mark Remembrance Day.
Whatever our differences, we all respect the contribution made to our security and national integrity by members of our armed forces many of whom make extreme sacrifices at a very young age.
I encourage everyone to wear the red poppy and support our service personnel.
It's also time to acknowledge the tremendous work of the Royal British Legion which is 90 years old and whose mission is to stand shoulder to shoulder with all who serve.
It provides practical care, advice and support to the whole Armed Forces family - serving, ex-Service men and women and their dependants.
The Legion also campaigns on issues affecting Service people, is the custodian of Remembrance, runs the annual Poppy Appeal and is one of the UK's largest membership organisations.
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Ian (left), Phil Wilson MP and Kevan Jones MP (right) after the walk, suitably attired.
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We took to our heels and went for a ten mile stroll completed in just under three hours and thanks to the generosity of friends and colleagues I raised nearly £600. But I know that my contribution is incomparable to the daily bravery and effort by our active service personnel in far flung parts of the globe.
Sadly, the central Gateshead branch of the Legion, of which I am a member, has fallen by the wayside. Yet there are thousands of potential local members. I am willing to lend my good offices to help re-establish the branch.
I am asking all former service personnel in Gateshead to contact me if they are interested in reviving the Legion here. There's no doubt that it could do some very valuable work all year round and not just around Remembrance Day. Once I have secured the support of enough people, I will work with the regional organisation to host a meeting to get it back on track. Please let me know if you are interested as soon as possible.
The work of the Legion should march on in each new generation as a tribute to those who have fought for their country and to continue to help them in their hour of need.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Ken Childs on behalf of Ian Mearns, 12 Regent Terrace Gateshead NE8 1LU |