This weekend councils across the nation held Remembrance Day services in memory of all those who have given their lives in armed conflict. This year, November 11th marks 100 years since the start of World War I, one of the most destructive conflicts in modern history. This Armistice Day will provide an opportunity for us to reflect on the sacrifice all those who lost their lives in service to the nation. Dagenham and Rainham have a long and proud history of service in war. This Remembrance Day will give us the opportunity to say thank you to those from our community who have died to protect us.
Local MP for Dagenham and Rainham Jon Cruddas attended both Rainham War Memorial and Dagenham Village Remembrance Day events, and also attended the service at the Heathway War Memorial on Saturday. Sam Gould, Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Romford also laid a wreath on behalf of Jon Cruddas at Romford War Memorial.
Jon commented: "Ever since I can remember I have worn a poppy. My dad would take us to the cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday?he was a sailor in the navy for 27 years and we were brought up to honour service men and women. I wear a poppy on Armistice Day in remembrance of all the brave men and women who died no just in two World Wars, but all conflict.
"Dagenham and Rainham has a long service history and I am proud to wear a poppy and remember our freedoms are built on the sacrifices of those who went before us. I look forward to spending this Remembrance Day with my constituents."
As always there was a huge turnout in both Rainham Village and Dagenham Village on Remembrance Sunday. The Scouts, Police, Army, RAF and Navy Cadets were all part of both processions.