Remembrance for Harlow Soldiers

In my last blog, I mentioned attending a special ceremony to remember Harlow Oddfellows who died in action during the Second World War.  This was an important act of Remembrance and a special part of Harlow's unique heritage.

I believe that we owe a a special duty to all our servicemen - both in remembrance of those who have lost their lives and treatment of those who have suffered in war.  Yesterday, the Government made an important step in that direction, with the announcement of the Military Covenant.  This will guarantee that our Armed Forces our supported by the institutions of the State, backed by the community.  I am glad there will be a special grant to help community groups such as the Royal British Legion, to support our soldiers.

For my part, during the statement in the Commons yesterday, I asked, Defence Secretary Liam Fox,  the following:

16 May 2011 : Column 40

Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): In Harlow recently, we had a special service to remember those fallen since the second world war, particularly in recent years. Their names are inscribed on the memorial. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the military covenant helps facilitate the remembrance of soldiers fallen since the second world war, and that some of the grant that he mentioned is used to help communities put those names on memorials throughout the country?

Dr Fox: I refer my hon. Friend to the community covenant grant that I mentioned. I will want to see whether we can widen the scope of that to include the sort of issue that he mentions. The remembrance of those who have given their lives for the security of this country should not be kept only within the generation in which it occurred. We should constantly remind every generation of it.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Cabinet Minister and Leader of the House of Commons pays tribute to Harlow British Legion and Harlow Council

I mentioned in my blog posting last Sunday, that I had attended a special rembrance service at Netteswell Cross, to remember those who had died since 1945.

This week, I tabled Commons Motion - signed by MPs from all parties - about this and called for a debate to recognise those in the armed forces who had fallen since 1945.


On Armistice Day, shortly after the Commons Chamber fell silent for two minutes from 1100, I asked the Cabinet Minster and Commons Leader Sir George Young:

 Robert Halfon (Harlow, Conservative) : Has my right hon. Friend seen Early-Day Motion 971, congratulating Harlow British Legion and Harlow Council on the special memorial that they have built as a tribute to fallen soldiers who have died in action since the Second World War?

"That this House notes the recent memorial service at the Netteswell Memorial Garden in School Lane, Harlow, to mark the building of the new memorial to fallen soldiers who have died in action since the Second World War; believes that it is a tribute to Harlow British Legion and Harlow Council that they ensured the memorial was built; concludes that for too long at remembrance services only the names of those in action before or in the Second World War have been read out; welcomes the fact that in future, all those who have passed away since 1945 will be remembered, including those who died serving recently in Iraq and Afghanistan; and therefore commemorates the day of remembrance for the UK's brave armed forces, which is also a day of dignity for Harlow.

Will he join me in congratulating Harlow British Legion and Harlow council and find time for a debate to commemorate servicemen and women who have died since 1945, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan?"

Sir George replied as follows:
George Young (Leader of the House of Commons) :  I am grateful to my hon. Friend, and of course I congratulate Harlow British Legion and Harlow council on building a special memorial to the fallen. It is particularly appropriate that my hon. Friend should have raised that particular subject today. There will be opportunities in the future-certainly between now and Christmas-to debate issues concerning our armed forces, when I hope my hon. Friend will have an opportunity to develop his case. 

I look forward tomorrow to our special Harlow Remembrance Service to remember all those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Righting Wrongs: A Day of Dignity for Harlow

A very special afternoon. At the Netteswell Memorial Garden in School Lane, there was a remarkable ceremony - covered by the BBC - to mark the building of the new memorial to fallen soldiers who had died in action since the Second World War. It is a tribute to Harlow British Legion and Harlow Council that they ensured the Memorial was built.

For too long at Remembrance Services, only the names of those in action before or in the Second World War have been read out. In future, all those who have passed away since 1945 will be included. This wrong has now been put right.

It was very moving to see the families of the fallen, lay tributes to their loved ones. Many local residents also attended the event to show their support.

It was a day of Remembrance for our braved armed forces and a day of dignity for Harlow.

We shall never forget.

P.S. I learnt today that 1966 is the only year since 1939 where no member of the armed forces died in action.

Lest we forget

I felt very very proud to be British today.

Harlow's British Legion organised (as they do every year), a moving ceremony to mark Remembrance Sunday, and I was pleased to lay a Wreath in my capacity as Conservative Parliamentary Candidate.

Whatever the troubles to overcome, whatever the difficulties our nation faces, the deep humanity of our fellow citizens shows itself on a day such as this. We remember the fallen, not just as a mark of respect, but to remind ourselves that our freedom is due to their bravery.

We should never forget.


Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Supporting the British Legion Manifesto

Hearing the Prime Minister read out today, for two solid minutes, the names of the latest forces personnel to have tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan, reminded me of a recent blog postabout my support for the British Legion Manifesto.

I was pleased to meet the British Legion at the Conservative Conference last week, to discuss these issues and restate my support.

I have pledged to do "do my bit" and was presented with a copy of the Legion's manifesto for the next general election.

The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages politicians of all parties to "do their bit" for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.

After my meeting, I was glad to receive the following message from the British Legion HQ:

"We're really grateful to Mr Halfon for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: 'It's time to do your bit'.

"The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties," he added. "Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration".

I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion and support their work. I have seen at first hand, the wonderful work that the Harlow British Legion does and know how important it is to our community.

The British Legion has in my view an essential role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family.

That is why I have pledged to do my bit - and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto websit - to find out more.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Lest we forget

I received the below email, this evening from the British Legion:

The Royal British Legion

Dear Mr Robert Halfon

Thank you for pledging to do your bit for the whole Armed Forces family beyond the next general election.

You will soon be sent a pledge card through the post, showing that you have pledged to do your bit, and which you can show to voters whilst canvassing.

For more information explore our website www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk.

Yours sincerely
Campaigns Team
The Royal British Legion

The message was in response to my agreeing their request to sign an electronic pledge supporting British Legion Manifesto aims. I think this is an excellent initiative that should get cross-party support. As described on their website, the BL's central aim is to urge Government to provide more assistance for service personnel, veterans and all armed forces families, ensuring that they get sufficient compensation, legal advice and NHS Treatment - and much more besides. You can read more HERE.

I am proud to support such aims. As a member of the British Legion in Harlow, I have been struck by the tireless work veterans and members do, to help those in the armed forces. I always feel privileged to take part in Remembrance Day each year, in the Town Park, and I often think it incredible to see the care and organisation that the local BL do, to ensure that the event is observed in such a special way.

Our nation is lucky to have such fine armed forces. It must be our duty to provide the care and after-care that they and their families need. I wish the BL Manifesto every success and hope their requests are adopted by all parties of whatever political persuasion. I certainly will be writing to our Shadow Defence Secretary, Liam Fox MP, to urge his support.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Proud of England, Pride in Harlow

Saturday was a unique day in Harlow. As part of the celebrations of St George's Day earlier in the week, the Essex Yeomanry were given freedom to enter the town. It was a very proud occasion. In front of an assorted array of dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff and Council Chairman Cllr. Tony Hall, the Essex Yeomanry, received the Freedom Charter, and marched through Broadwalk, College Square and the Water Gardens. I felt privileged to be there, and it was great that so many members of the public came to watch. We all felt proud and very happy to be celebrating our heritage in this way. What was good too, was that the Yeomanry were joined by Harlow war veterans, the British Legion and the various cadet forces. I had a long talk after with the RAF Cadets and St Johns Ambulance and it is a tribute to their members, that these organisations are so strong in our community.

P.S. I hope you like the pictures. As you can see one shows, Cllrs. Andrew Johnson, Shona, and daughter Alexi, who were all keen to wave the flag of St George!

P.P.S. You can read the distinguished history of the Essex Yeomanry here.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com