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Remembrance Sunday shows us the best of Britain.
It’s millions of small moments: the pinning of a poppy, the silent reflection, the salutes of our heroes in uniform – from young cadets to our elderly veterans.
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In towns and villages up and down our land, these moments combine to make remembrance what it is: a powerful display of our British values.
Our deep respect for our forces, pride in our places and gratitude to the brave generations who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Today, I’ll have the honour of standing at the Cenotaph as Britain’s defence secretary, to commemorate those who have fought and died for our country.
Led by the Royal Family, we will pause and reflect on their service and their sacrifice.
As we mark 80 years since D-Day this year, and ten years since the end of combat in Afghanistan, this is also the nation’s most important opportunity to thank our outstanding forces who help keep us safe today, in the face of increasing global threats.
To recognise the work they do across the globe, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Putin’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine, and his attempts at sabotage and destabilisation across Europe, show why we must never take for granted the fact that families can live in peace in Britain today.
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said, national security is the most important challenge of our times. It’s the first duty of our government. And in this new age of insecurity, it’s our people who are the heart of UK defence.
Our British forces are respected worldwide for their professionalism, high standards and all-round excellence.
As Defence Secretary, I see it first hand, every day.
I’m proud of our returning nuclear submariners, our RAF aviators on standby in Cyprus, our Army personnel who have trained thousands of Ukrainian troops, and the quick-thinking crew of our Royal Navy destroyer who helped shoot down Houthi missiles in the Red Sea.
The brave men and women who step up to keep us safe will have our new government’s full backing. Facing long-term problems with morale and recruitment, we will renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.
That started with the largest pay rise for the military in over 20 years in recognition of the extraordinary sacrifices they make.
I’m the first defence secretary who can say that all our uniformed personnel will earn at least the National Living Wage.
And earlier this week we laid a bill in Parliament, paving the way for new Armed Forces Commissioner who will work to improve every aspect of life in the Armed Forces.
And it continues with renewed support for our veterans: homes for our heroes, with new support to prevent veterans’ homelessness, and a new digital veterans’ ID card to ensure veterans are recognised everywhere they go.
The Prime Minister and I welcomed veterans to 10 Downing Street on Friday as thousands of former service personnel prepare to reunite in Remembrance this weekend.
Veterans contribute to every section of society. Most flourish, with military skills behind them. Some struggle. All of them deserve our deep gratitude.
Last month I joined a group of young cadets on a visit to The Poppy Factory. The charity works to support veterans into employment, and employs some directly to craft the wreaths which will be placed on the Cenotaph this weekend.
Seeing the past and the future of our Armed Forces together in one room, I was struck by our shared responsibility to honour the legacy of our military heroes and pass their memories on to a new generation.
And it will be a unique honour for me to lay the wreath I assembled at The Poppy Factory at the Cenotaph on Armistice Day tomorrow.
Today, and every day, we will remember them.
