The efforts of the armed forces in Suffolk and those who served in the First and Second World Wars has been formally recognised by Suffolk County Council as part of WWI Centenary commemorations.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the First World War ending, with events across the county set to take place this year to commemorate those who did their bit.
A motion was presented to Suffolk County Council’s meeting on Thursday by Robin Vickery.
The motion read: “This council therefore commends the bravery of those men and women from Suffolk who served during that war and also remembers those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in this and other conflicts since.
“This council further recognises that our democracy is underpinned by the bravery of all those who have served and continue to serve in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, including the many based in Suffolk, and that maintaining a strong defence capability is essential to deter the threats currently facing the United Kingdom.
“This council recognises the valuable work of the Suffolk Armed Forces Covenant board and calls on this county council and all five partners involved to work for the benefit of serving personnel and veterans in this county.”
Mr Vickery said he hoped that councillors would be able to support events in their communities through locality budget grants where needed, and described it as the “nation’s opportunity to say thank you to the armed forces”.
The motion was agreed with no votes against and only one abstention.
Andrew Reid, councillor for the Wilford division, said it was their duty to continue supporting serving armed forces personnel.
He said: “One of the most vulnerable times for servicemen and women and their families is transitioning from military service to private life.
“It’s our duty as people, councillors and members of the community to assist in that.
“It will be very good for us to learn what we can be doing and I would encourage us to do that in the process of revisiting our past.”
The exact Centenary is November 11 this year, which will be 100 years to the day the armistice was signed that brought an end to the First World War.
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