Opinion: ‘Humbling and moving to take part’

I laid a wreath at the war memorial on Bridge Street, as part of Remembrance Sunday. Despite the muted nature of the service because of the Coronavirus restrictions, it was moving and humbling to do so as Peterborough’s MP.

It was only a small gesture. It won’t have the same impact as the investment for regenerating our citycentre, or the other money to build our university and research hub.

It doesn’t make the difference to individuals and families that I see with my team, when helping people with housing, benefit and immigration cases. It won’t have the same effect as our efforts to secure further funding from the Government or work with the council to support businesses and jobs. But it was still incredibly important.

None of this would be possible it wasn’t for the brave servicemen and women who have fought for our country. Many fell defeating militarism in the First World War, fascism in the Second World War and defending democracy and human rights in conflicts since. They deserve to be remembered in Peterborough.

It was rather strange this year, given only a few of us could be present in an official capacity. That made it more poignant to see a small, respectful gathering of the public, who were very careful to remain socially distanced.

There are those on the fringes of our politics, or ignorant of our history, who mock the effort that people make to show their respect. Some of them scoff at the red poppies worn to mark our remembrance. But it’s more important than ever to remember those that came before us.

I have been enjoying teaching my eldest daughter about history, partly through our family history. My grandfather on my mother’s side was a Staff Seargent. He fought in the Netherlands and in Germany.

On my father’s side, my grandfather volunteered in 1939, despite being a farmer with the option to sit things out in his reserved occupation. He fought in Montgomery’s Eighth Army in North Africa and then up through Italy. My father was an army officer too.

Still too young understand things in any detail, my daughter knows that their efforts helped secure the things we take for granted today.

I also remember Peterborough man Eric Rollings, who very sadly died last December at 98. He served in the Royal Air Force in North Africa, Sicily and then in Burma. He didn’t come home until VJ Day in 1945 having been away for 5 years. I had the privilege of meeting him thanks to my friend Dale McKean.

The nation found a hero this year in 100 year old Captain Tom Moore and his efforts for charity and our NHS during COVID-19. But he was always a hero. He fought in Burma in the Second World War.

My role as an MP is more than just a job. I get to serve and represent my city. If like we all do, I get fed up about something or other, being part of something as important as Remembrance Sunday puts things into perspective. Mundane worries or concerns no longer matter.

Peterborough honours those who served our country. We will remember them.