A letter from Councillor Samantha George
Dear Editor,
This year, on Armed Forces Day, we will gather to remember the terrible sacrifices that are made by our country’s brave servicemen and women. We will, of course, also remember the recent tragic murder of Drummer (Private) Lee Rigby in Woolwich.
In Merton we can often take it for granted that we live in a community which has such excellent community relations. However, this is something which we should never forget. Merton has a proud and strong association with our Armed Forces, and this is most visibly demonstrated by the Haig Homes estate in Morden, where there are 207 homes for ex-service people. This is the largest Haig Homes development in the country.
On Saturday June 29 I will be joining the Mayor and councillor colleagues from all of Merton’s political parties to express my gratitude for the bravery and self-sacrifice made by members of our armed forces. Since Merton Council started to support Armed Forces Day in 2009, we have seen it go from strength to strength. I shall also be proud to be joined by many members of Merton’s community, from all faiths and none, who will want to show their gratitude. It is through the sacrifice that these men and women, and those who have gone before them, have made that we are able to enjoy the freedoms that come from living in the United Kingdom .
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us all just to say a very small ‘thank you’. I urge residents to come and join us to show your support for our armed forces.
Councilllor Samantha George
Conservative Spokesman for Culture, Leisure & Housing
June 28, 2013