British Embassy Ankara Defence Attaché Piers Strudwick’s message for the Remembrance Sunday 2019

Remembrance Sunday is a significant day in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth. It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Over the last 4 years the United Kingdom has marked significant events of World War One through the WW100 commemorative programme. This initiative has connected families and communities to the ultimate sacrifice made by millions of families over 100 years ago. As we move beyond the 100 year commemoration, the legacy of the Poppy Appeal still resonates throughout the World. Many of our families have been affected by the horrors of war and conflict, even today we have family, friends or colleagues who are affected by the physical and mental stress caused by Armed Conflict – this period of Remembrance also gives us the opportunity to remember our generation’s sacrifice and reflect on ways to mitigate the dire consequences of conflict and recognise the unnecessary human suffering that occurs as a result of not finding solutions to problems without confrontation.

Today, over 100 years after World War One, the World doesn’t appear to be a more peaceful place. The totality of war is totally devastating, we must not forget that extremism, nationalism, sectarianism and entrenchment quickly become a one way street that leads to conflict and human suffering. We must communicate clearly, listen deeply and be prepared to see issues from another perspective. We must do everything within our power never to drift towards the totality of war. This is the lesson that we learn from our forefathers of 100 years ago.

At this time of year people wear a Poppy and conduct acts of Remembrance keep the memory of the ultimate sacrifice paid by our forebears alive. We Will Remember Them.