We shall never forget

9:19am Wednesday 12th November 2008

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SERVICE men and women killed in war and their comrades serving in conflicts today were remembered at events across Enfield this week.

The Mayor, Councillor Lee Chamberlain, was among dignitaries at three services on Sunday in Edmonton Green, Broomfield Park and Enfield Town.

On Tuesday he praised the Royal British Legion for organising the events, adding: “It is very sad that we are seeing fewer and fewer veterans as the years take their toll but it was good to see lots of involvement from the scouts and boys’ brigades.

“People came out to join in too, which shows they take it seriously, as they should.”

Edmonton MP Andy Love, who was at Edmonton Green war memorial on Sunday, saluted former soldiers and British troops currently in action.

He said: “Today is a truly historical anniversary as it marks the day that 90 years ago the guns of the Western Front fell silent, ending four years of an horrific and devastating conflict.

“At 11 o’clock people all over the country stood in silence to remember the brave men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.

“We express our gratitude to those who have died in conflict since.

“Our armed forces show great bravery every day and today is our chance to say thankyou for the sacrifices they continue to make.”

Last night about 70 people looked set to go to the HQ of East Enfield Royal British Legion in Nag’s Head Road for a memorial service in its chapel.

Branch president Jim Ruthven is a World War Two army veteran who fought his way through France and into Germany as a private in the Middlesex regiment.

He said: “I’ve heard that the first person killed in the Great War was a 16-year-old boy from my regiment who had upped his age to get in and fight.”

Mr Ruthven, 86, of Poynter Road, said Remembrance Sunday is about all wars, both past and present. He added: “You never forget the horrors of what you see in war.”