THIS weekend we mark Remembrance Sunday and there will be ceremonies across the borough at which we can all honour those who have fought in all the conflicts since 1914, writes DAVID RENARD.

For some of us, we will recall those who died, while others will think about those who are still living with scars from their time in uniform – those with visible wounds and those with ongoing psychological traumas.

I will be attending the annual service at the Cenotaph in the town centre as I do each year.

When I pause to reflect in those two minutes of shared silence, I will be struck by how much we owe the Armed Forces.

For most of the time freedom is something we take for granted, but at the Cenotaph we have to bow our heads in humility that others paid the ultimate sacrifice for the liberties we enjoy.

As events on the news from the Ukraine, the Balkans, the Middle East, and North and West Africa should warn us, we can’t be complacent.

I encourage all of you to attend one of these services if you can, to show gratitude for the freedoms we may take for granted and to show our support for the wounded, the survivors, and the families of those who died.

On November 11 the council will be observing the two minutes’ silence.

I would invite all businesses, schools, and residents to support this, if possible, although that may not be practical for everyone.

This act of shared reflection should bind us together as a community.

Remembrance Sunday is also a time to think about those still living.

With small, professional Armed Forces, it is less likely that many of us will know someone in uniform.

Yet, there are many who live in Swindon either who have retired here or who have made Swindon their home because of their posting.

For example, I know we have a strong Nepalese community for this reason.

One public way we show our appreciation for the Armed Forces at another time is through the Armed Forces Day event that we hold in the summer in Farringdon Park.

This year I attended and I observed that we had numerous representatives from the three services, those who have retired, those still serve – both regular and reserves, and the cadets.

For me it was another opportunity to show that we value those who serve and that they are a part of our community.