Celebrate Remembrance Sunday

I've been reflecting on this official call to ‘celebrate’ Remembrance Sunday (on another social media platform).

My grandfather fought in mainland Europe twice during WWII and was present at the liberation of Bergen‑Belsen. He rarely spoke about the horrors he saw, but I know they left a deep imprint on him. He chose not to take part in public commemorations and was critical of both the politicians and the monarchy who did.

As an elected councillor, I will spend Remembrance Day with my family, reflecting privately because I find it difficult to reconcile public commemoration and poppy‑wearing with my own feelings. This isn’t a rejection of remembrance; it’s my way of honouring the past while I work to reconcile his legacy with my own feelings.

I hold the sacrifices of his friends, as well as those of our servicemen and women, in the highest regard, and I respect those who choose to mark the day publicly. My personal approach is simply how I process this history for myself; it isn’t something I wish to celebrate.

This is my grandfather's watch. Presented to him in 1965 after 30 years service with Regent Oil. I wear it every day.