Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch County, joined town dignitaries and hundreds of Redditch residents at the town’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations yesterday (12 November).
This was the first time Rachel had carried out the duty in her capacity at Redditch’s Member of Parliament.
She said: “It was a great honour to pay respects to our fallen, and to show support for current servicemen and women, as part of these services in Redditch. It was also a great honour to play my part in the ceremony by laying a wreath. The crowds in the town centre were impressive and it showed the immense regard with which residents hold those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We owe them so much and it is important that we never forget them.
“This year, for the first year ever, we were joined by Simon de Buisseret, a Chelsea Pensioner, and it was fascinating to meet and talk with him.”
Participants gathered outside St Stephen's Church where the Last Post was played and two minutes’ silence observed. A service in the church included readings from members of the community, Mr de Buisseret and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Andrew Grant.
Rachel added: “Afterwards I was invited to join 37 Signals Regiment, based in Redditch, for a curry lunch and lovely hospitality. It was a great chance to talk with hard-working full-time soldiers and our excellent reservists.”