Letter: On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an Armistice was signed to end the First World War.

Millions of servicemen from the British Empire, and beyond, gave their lives in the war to end all wars.

Sadly, as history later proved, this was not to be and 20 years later the Second World War began. Once again, our servicemen and women did their duty.

It is for this and every conflict since, that on Remembrance Sunday we have the privilege to honour the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

Every community throughout the district will, on November 8, hold their own Remembrance Services and on Wednesday, November 11, at 11am, a two-minute silence will be observed.

At this time, we also give our strong support to the Royal British Legion Annual Poppy Appeal.

The people of this district have a proud record of supporting those who have served their country and continue to do so today.

This Poppy Appeal provides the main source of funding to maintain the Legion’s many Welfare and Benevolent Schemes.

Last year, more than £30million was raised by the generosity of you, the public. I would ask everyone to do whatever they can to support the 2009 Poppy Appeal.

The Royal British Legion are also undertaking a ‘Poppy People’ campaign to attract new Poppy Appeal volunteers. Anyone over 16 years of age can help, they only need to ring 0800 085 5924.

Each of us owes a huge thank-you to everyone currently serving and who has served in the armed forces. Without their sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy the rights, privileges and freedom we all take for granted.

Cllr Reg Farmer
Chairman Malvern Hills District Council