This weekend and through to the 106th anniversary of World War One’s end on the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month on Monday, people across the globe took the opportunity to recognize all the men and women who showed incredible courage in the face of great danger. Mid-Glamorgan was no exception.
There were numerous drill halls and recruitment offices in the County during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Almost every sizeable town was home to one, the other or both. When conflicts called, men thronged to these army administrative centres and off they went. Some would never return to their homes, workplaces and familiar valleys, rivers and woods. Left forever to lie under foreign soil. Others returned, but not as the same people who left. Those dangerous mental scars and physical disfigurement are all the result of man’s blind indifference to his fellow man.
It’s a long-told ethic and long may it be handed down from generation to generation. Year in, year out. By recognizing their courage and remembering how much we needed them – and continue to need them – we show respect.
This weekend it was an honour to honour our heroes who are prepared to do whatever it takes and give everything, including their lives, to ensure our land remains free.
It is important too, to remember many have undertaken soldiering duties and made the ultimate sacrifice as volunteers and conscripts. Full-time soldier, conscript or volunteer, their contributions are immeasurable. Neither should we forget the families of our soldiers past, present and future. They are fraught with anxiety and are left to pick up the pieces, bereft if the worst occurs.
For me, the weekend began with Maesteg’s Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Concert at Nantyffyllon R.F.C. Reverend Rick Gratton set a reflective tone and this was perfectly complimented by the song selection of Maesteg Gleemen. Soloist Rhian Hughes was on her usual peak form. The Corps of Drums who travelled from Llanelli were tremendous and the Cadets were magnificently turned out.
Sunday and it was to St. Michael’s Church for the Service of Remembrance, followed by a procession to the War Memorial. Once again the Reverend Gratton was able to engender a sense of quiet contemplation. The reason for the crystal clarity in delivering his message became apparent when finding the Reverend served in the RAF.
At the War Memorial it was quite astounding to see so many organisations represented and laying wreaths. Without a doubt, the wreaths made from little red handprints of the tiniest members of our communities – the nursery aged children was, to me, the most poignant. Again an impressive number of such well turned out Cadets were present. I am grateful to South Wales Police Cadets who were present and to my High Sheriff Cadet Billie Hurley for her support, plus to Lord Lieutenant's Cadet Morgan Lewis for enabling the Lieutenancy to be represented.
Then it was off to Saint David’s Parish Church, Merthyr Tydfil. Again, an incredible number of people and organisations demonstrated the importance of Remembrance Sunday. An excellent service again supported by great choral singing and meaningful address made for another memorable Act of Remembrance in church and at the War Memorial.
Thanks to Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Merthyr Mayor, Royal British Legion Merthyr Branch. DL Alyn Owen Mid Glamorgan Lieutenancy.
The act of Remembrance is so important.
Cofiwn gydag anrhydedd, heddiw ac am byth.
We remember those lost to war and strive for a peaceful tomorrow.
Rhag i ni anghofio - Lest we Forget.