Blaenau Gwent Remembers

Abertillery Learning Community - Year 7 Remembrance Service 

People of all ages from Blaenau Gwent have been coming together to mark the Centenary year of the end of the First World War. 

A series of remembrance services and parades are taking place around the county borough this weekend - please check our social media for more information.

School pupils around the county borough have been getting involved by holding special remembrance assemblies to learn about and recognise the sacrifices made by the armed forces during the First World War and the conflicts since. Primary school pupils who attended the Children’s Grand Council got a taste for life during the war as they took part in a re-enactment session; a Welsh Guards drill; the Royal British Legion’s Standards display; poppy craft workshops and even ate their lunch from a war canteen!

At Blaenau Gwent Council’s Full Council meeting, elected members observed a 2 minute silence and Chairwoman Mandy Moore reinforced the authority’s commitment to supporting the armed forces, both veterans and serving military. Councillors were joined at the meeting by the Royal British Legion’s Silent Silhouettes. The silhouettes are part of an important movement from the Royal British Legion to say ‘Thank You’ from us to a generation of people that served, sacrificed, rebuilt and changed our nation. More information here.

Councillor Brian Thomas, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:

“As a Council, and through the Armed Forces Covenant, we show considerable support to our members of the armed forces community, both veterans and those currently serving. It is important that our younger generations in particular have the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices that were made all those years ago.

“In this Centenary year of the end of the First World War we have organised and supported numerous events as part of a ‘Blaenau Gwent Remembers’ programme to mark our respect, remembrance and thanks to all those that have served and suffered. I would like to thank all those men and women who have served and are currently serving to help keep our country safe.”