There were two days of remembrance this year.

The first event took place on 6th June 2024, as we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. This historic campaign resulted in significant loss of life, yet it also signified the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

The 11th of November is Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to honour the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts. This significant date commemorates the cessation of hostilities on the Western front of the First World War in 1918, even though the war persisted on other fronts until 1920.

There have been other conflicts since then, such as the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) War of 1982 . Troops have also died as part of a peacekeeping force, killed by those who do not wish for peace but for domination.

In Holy Trinity Church, Huddersfield, the stained glass of the remembrance window proudly displays the Belgian flag, symbolizing the refuge sought by Belgian war refugees who not only found solace here in Huddersfield but also contributed in the woollen mills during the First World War. This serves as a powerful reminder that the impact of war extends beyond the military, encompassing individuals from all walks of life.

Remembering is good. As a Christian, it’s only by remembering that I’ve managed to keep my faith.

I became disabled 18 years ago. Before then I had seen people being healed in the name of Jesus, I had myself been healed in the name of Jesus and I had prayed over people and seen them healed. So why wasn’t I healed this time? My faith was shaken and it was only by remembering God’s goodness in the past that I was able to hold onto my faith.

What relevance does this hold for remembrance? There’s hardly anyone remaining who has firsthand experience of the Second World War. In no time, there will be no one left. It is essential to keep in mind the atrocities of war and the aftermath of extreme right-wing dictatorships, which we and our allies combated. Similarly, we must not forget the Cold War that ensued, aimed at thwarting the influence of the USSR’s extreme left ideology. It is imperative to ensure that history does not repeat itself.