James Wild MP has planted a tribute to people from North West Norfolk in the first ever House of Commons ‘Constituency Garden of Remembrance’
The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, invited Members of Parliament to take part in the inaugural Constituency Garden of Remembrance, located in New Palace Yard on the Parliamentary Estate. The Garden will remain in place until 14th November and when complete will contain a Remembrance stake representing each of the 650 constituencies of the United Kingdom, the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth, and 14 British Overseas Territories.
James Wild MP said:
"In my message I paid tribute to everyone from North West Norfolk who has served in our Armed Forces to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life, as well as their families, and members of the emergency services and civilians who have lost their lives in conflict or terrorist attacks. The Royal British Legion, along with the Bridge for Heroes and Scotty's Little Soldiers do so much to help veterans and their families and Remembrance Sunday is a moment to reflect and pay our respects to all who serve and have served."
Having visited West Newton Church recently, James also referred to Captain Frank Beck and the “Vanished Battalion” in his message.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said:
"I am so proud that we have created a garden to mark 100 years of Remembrance as we know it together with the Royal British Legion - who do so much to provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, I hope this event will show our admiration for the Armed Forces across the Commonwealth and overseas territories and form part of our annual Remembrance activities here in Parliament."
The first Remembrance Day was held on 11 November 1921, following a campaign led by Earl Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the Army during the First World War, and founder of the British Legion. This followed the unveiling of the Cenotaph in Whitehall by King George V on 11 November 1920 and the decision to adopt the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
