Hold dear our armed forces

On Saturday I travelled, with my cousin Betsan, to the beautiful town of Vernon in France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Vernon.

I kept close to me the Mayoral chain and Betsan looked after our late Harold Allcott’s replica medals. We travelled on the Eurostar, which I fully recommend as it is efficient and kind to the environment.

The Twinning Association organised the trip and along with the Civic Office multiple travel arrangements fell neatly into place.

Several members of the Worcester Twinning Committee travelled as members and stayed with their French hosts.

Veterans of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association, Major Richard Fox and wife Anne and Robert Atkinson and wife Carol also travelled and stayed at a hotel in Vernon with Betsan and myself.

On the day of the commemoration our group paid tributes at five locations alongside French dignitaries, veterans, twinning committee members and constituents.

The first stop was the Tilly Foundation.  I laid a wreath and made a speech in French.

For me the most poignant stop was at the War Memorial at the Vernnonet Cemetery.

Face to face with the gravestones of the Worcestershire Royal Regiment for me really hit home.

I was able to wear Harold Allcott’s replica medals and clutched them tightly as I thought about how many lives were lost.

At the formal ceremony I laid a wreath alongside the Twinning Association and other wreath layers.

It was reassuring to have children alongside us at the wreath laying.  A comfort that the lessons of history are being taught for a better future.

After the ceremony a French resident went out of his way to thank me for my speech.  It was a privilege having been able to do so.  Thank you to all veterans.