Last week I joined MPs in Parliament praising our Armed Forces as part of Armed Forces Week. However, honouring those who have served as well as those who continue to serve should not be a one-off event. I am excessively proud of the UK armed forces, but in particular of those based here in Brecon and Radnorshire at Brecon barracks, Sennybridge training area and the Infantry Battle School.
As well as keeping us safe at home and abroad, they have played an integral role in supporting the roll out of the Coronavirus vaccine across Brecon and Radnorshire. I worked closely with the RAF Band personnel who were posted to the vaccination centre in Builth Wells and they were an absolute joy to get to know. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they all told me how much they enjoyed spending time in Builth. I hope to be able to invite them back to the Royal Welsh Show next year so that we can show them our gratitude.
However, on Armed Forces Day this year (Saturday 26th June), it was a real honour to lay a wreath in memory of a true British hero. Violette Szabo initially joined the Women’s Land Army when war broke out and the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1941. She worked for F section in the Special Operations Executive, but during a mission in France she was captured and imprisoned by the Nazis. She was executed in Ravensbrück concentration camp, and she was posthumously awarded the George Cross—the highest honour given to civilians.
Violette’s only daughter, Tania now lives in Cilmery and since receiving her mother’s medal, she has done a huge amount to tell Violette’s story. Violette’s medal now sits in the Imperial War Museum where it will continue to inspire so many.
By sheer coincide, Armed Forces Day this year fell on what would have been Violette’s 100th Birthday. I was lucky enough to be invited to lay a wreath in her memory and to join a special picnic on The Groe, with performances from 1940s singers and even a former Prime Minister popped in!
The whole afternoon in Builth was really special. Coming together after so long apart to remember those who have paid the ultimate price, as well celebrating those who continue to keep us safe and free, was wonderful. Spending a few hours in the sunshine, listening to amazing music and hearing stories of truly special characters made me feel like we are, at last, back to what we do best.