Sharon was privileged once again to join the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland at this years' Remembrance Service at Washington Village.
Out in force were local residents, The Royal British Legion, current Active and Ex-Serving Men and Women of the Armed Forces, Cadet Forces, Local Sunderland City Councillors, Full-time and Voluntary Emergency Services Organisations, Clergy , Charity and Voluntary Community Groups, Local Trades, Local Heritage Societies, Miners’ Banner Groups, and Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies.
Along with placing a wreath to represent our national Parliament, Sharon was doubly-honoured to be asked to give a short speech at the beginning of the service in her capacity as Honorary President of the Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion.
Sharon Hodgson MP's speech to the Remembrance Sunday Parade service, 2015.
"Good Morning. It is my privilege to speak to you today as Honorary President of the Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion.
On every Remembrance Sunday, I am always moved to see so many people taking the time to come and pay their respects for those that gave their all.
It is also encouraging to see so many children at services like this, as with the passing years, the events of the World Wars and more recent conflicts move further away from us. So it is vital for everybody in our country to know why we have services like this, and why we must never forget those who fought on our behalf.
It is well known that those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. So, I hope today we are able to both respect the sacrifices made, and commit ourselves to ensuring that the mistakes that led to those wars, are not made again.
The men and women who served and lived through the world wars were just like us, they all had their hopes and dreams, their friends and loved ones, their jobs and their interests.
There were men working in the pits in Washington, in the shipyards in Sunderland, on our farms and in our factories, who all signed up to fight at the Front in 1914.
In 1939 more came forward again from all walks of life. There were also women from Washington and Sunderland, and all across our region who dedicated their lives to the war effort and were crucial in the fight. Miners, factory workers and farmers also stayed here and worked hard throughout to ensure victory.
In all the wars and conflicts since, we have seen the same commitment - and sadly sacrifice - from the men and women in our Armed Forces.
These people all pulled together when the time came, and it is only right that we, as that same community, come together, to reflect on what they went through and to thank those who were never able to return to enjoy the peace that we have today.
We may never be able to repay the debt that we all owe them, but each of us can take the time to remember them and to try our best to live up to the example they gave us.
The same is true for those serving today, or who have retired from active duty. Our armed forces are a credit to each and every one of us in this country, and I am so proud to have them representing us around the world, doing so much to keep the peace and keep us safe.
Today we honour them also, and thank them for everything they do.
I hope we can all take time throughout the days, weeks and months ahead to think about what they gave up, to think about what we gained as a result of their sacrifice, and to remember that peace is only possible whilst we have people willing to come together and stand up for it, and fight for it when necessary.
That is the reason why we all wear our poppies each year with enormous pride, and it’s all those brave people that we honour today, and always.
Thank you."
Royal British Legion Washington Branch
