Remembrance Sunday commemorates all servicemen and women who gave their lives, and this is central to the whole Act of Remembrance, however, many of the servicemen and women remembered today are not included on the local War Memorials, so they are in danger of being forgotten. The Royal British Legion knew it should act to make sure this never happens.

The Branch decided to revive the tradition of “Dressing the Graves”. This is the act of placing a spray of poppies on each grave.

Each spray was sponsored by a local person or business. However, the sponsorship is only meant to cover the cost of the sprays and to make people aware. The act of commemoration is the ultimate point of the ceremonies which concurrently took place at nine local cemeteries last weekend.

This is not about glorifying war, but about ensuring that the young people of today understand and appreciate the sacrifice made by our servicemen and women in defending the right of free speech and a desired way of life. Without the people who now lay at rest, the lives of today’s youngsters might well be different.

Based on the success of this year’s event, It is the intention of the Branch to perform this Act of Remembrance each year.

Due to lockdown, the Branch pulled forward the reduced and informal Remembrance ceremonies in Midsomer Norton, Westfield and Radstock, to Wednesday this week.

The Royal British Legion ask that the public respect the current COVID-19 restriction, especially in light of the lockdown, and either stay away or where they wish to pay their respects, do so once the wreath layers have left.