'I am honoured to be laying a wreath at Hucknall Cenotaph' - Coun Lee Waters

This year, I have the honour of laying a wreath at Hucknall Cenotaph on behalf of Ashfield District Council. It is a privilege to represent the council on such an important occasion as we come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Remembrance Sunday has always held a special place in Hucknall's calendar. It is a day when our town comes together, setting aside the distractions of everyday life to remember those who served our country.

Veterans wearing their medals, serving personnel, cadets, community groups, families and residents of all ages gather to pay their respects.

And then comes the silence.

For two minutes, the usual sounds of everyday life fall quiet. It is a simple but powerful moment, shared by people who may have very different lives but are united in gratitude and remembrance.

Behind every name engraved on our war memorial is a story. A son or daughter, a husband or wife, a parent, a friend or a neighbour. Ordinary people who left their homes and loved ones, many never to return.

Some were barely out of their teens. They had hopes, ambitions and entire lives ahead of them.

We should be immensely proud of the courage, duty and sacrifice shown by generations of British servicemen and women. The freedoms we enjoy today came at an enormous cost, and we owe it to those who served never to forget that.

Remembrance is also about those who returned home carrying the physical and emotional scars of conflict, those who have served in more recent wars, and the families who have lived with the consequences.

This year, Ashfield District Council has completed additional cleaning of Hucknall's war memorial ahead of the commemorations.

It is right that such an important part of our town's heritage is properly cared for. The Cenotaph is more than a monument. It is a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by people from our own community, whose names and stories deserve to be remembered.

One of the most heartening sights each year is seeing younger generations taking part. Whether through the cadets, Scouts, Guides, schools or alongside their families, they are helping to ensure that remembrance continues long into the future.

As the years pass and fewer people remain who experienced the Second World War firsthand, that responsibility becomes more important than ever.

We also owe thanks to the Royal British Legion, veterans, volunteers and everyone who helps organise Hucknall's commemorations. Their dedication ensures that our town continues to mark this occasion with the dignity and respect it deserves.

I hope residents will join us on Sunday 8 November, whether to remember someone close to them or simply to show their gratitude.

For a few moments, we will stand together in silence, remembering those who gave up their tomorrows so that future generations could have theirs.

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.