Wentworth and Dearne MP, John Healey, says it’s vital that the next generation remember those we have lost to war during War Graves Week.
War Graves Week is the annual commemoration of the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission both at home and around the world.
It runs from 11th to 19th May and offers opportunities for people to find out more about Commonwealth Graves near them.
The Commission’s mission is ‘to ensure that those who died in service, or as a result of conflict, are commemorated so that they, and the human cost of war, are remembered forever.’ It cares for thousands of important sites across the world including those at Swinton St Margaret’s Churchyard, Brampton Bierlow’s Christ Church and Thurnscoe Cemetery.
John Healey MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, said: “Today, and always, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others, and to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. It is our duty to tell their stories and honour their service.
“War Graves Week commemorates the vital work done by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, both at home and around the world, to honour the fallen and to preserve and protect sites of remembrance.
“With threats increasing, it has never been so important to teach the next generation about our shared history and the impact of conflict. It is vital we support efforts to reach out to communities and engage and educate younger generations and remember those we have lost in war.”
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission care for 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries and territories and is holding a number of tours across the country as part of War Graves Week.
Locally they include Moorgate Cemetery in Rotherham and Hyde Park Cemetery in Doncaster.
You can find out about the tours and War Graves Week online at www.cwgc.org/war-graves-week/