Comment: In the line of duty

Remembrance services will be held across the country.

It is significant that younger war veterans should be playing such an active role in this year's Poppy Appeal; humbling because time is now catching up on those who fought in the Second World War, it is also poignant because of the sacrifices made by brave members of the Armed Forces in more recent conflicts.

Yet it is imperative that the Royal British Legion’s appeal remembers all veterans – past and present – who have been either killed, or injured, in the line of duty.

With no survivors left to recount the trench warfare that was waged a century ago on the Somme, it’s more important than ever that today’s generation finds time to pay its respects to its forebears.

The simple act of wearing a red poppy, and observing a respectful two minutes silence once a year, is a small price to pay for the freedom and liberty which Britain enjoys today as one of the world’s shining beacons of democracy.

This must never be taken for granted.