On Remembrance Sunday, I was proud to attend the service at Goffs Oak and lay a wreath at the War Memorial. It was lovely to see so many people - of all ages and from all walks of life - come together to pay their respects. Wreaths were also laid on my behalf in Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, Great Amwell, Hertford Heath, Stanstead Abbotts and Broxbourne.
This year's Remembrance events were unique for me, as I was taking part having recently been learning more about the work of our service personnel.
Over the summer I took part in the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme. MPs are often required to vote on serious matters affecting the military, and the scheme provides a unique insight into what is required to serve in one of the three branches of the armed forces.
Don’t get me wrong, this was not a holiday! Our first experience was a two-day, hands-on course at Shrivenham Defence Academy, learning about the structure and organisation of Defence in the UK – with early starts and several uniform inspections!
Next up was a trip to RAF Valley on Anglesey, which is usually home to those operating search and rescue missions or training to be fighter pilots. We were able to meet some of the pilots and have a go on a simulator. I am proud to say I was one of the MPs who didn’t end up crashing any virtual aircraft!
Over the next few months, I’ll be diving deeper into areas like airborne intelligence and the RAF’s cyber capabilities as I continue to strengthen my understanding of the military and incorporate this into my work in Parliament.
As I stood in silence to remember all who have served our country, this year, this year I did so with my own glimpse into the armed services fresh in my mind and a better understanding of the sacrifices our service personnel are making every day to keep us safe.
