An Army veteran in the Senedd has called remembrance a “promise”, handed from one generation to the next, that “we will remember them”.
Reform UK MS Gareth Thomas was speaking in a debate on Remembrance on Tuesday November 10.
A motion paying tribute “the service and sacrifice of individuals from across Wales who now serve or have served in our armed forces” passed without objection.
It also asked the Senedd to recognise the “enduring importance” of the Remembrance period and backed efforts to find a peaceful solution to every conflict and to bring an end to war.
Mr Thomas spoke about the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families. He said: “As an Army veteran, I know that service is shared not only by those in uniform, but by the families who wait for them, support them, and, too often, grieve them.
“Remembrance is for them too, and for those who came home carrying wounds and scars, both visible and hidden.”
Proud tradition
Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams drew on the work of Welsh poet Waldo Williams. She told members the purpose of remembrance was “not only to reflect on war, but to strengthen our commitment to peace”.
Ms Williams praised the “courage and commitment” of those who served in the two world wars and in the conflicts that followed.
She said remembering also meant looking beyond the armed forces, at what war does to families, children and communities.
She said honouring those who served to defend freedom meant “striving to be a nation that offers dignity, compassion, and sanctuary to those displaced by conflict”.
“We think of those living with us in Wales today from Ukraine and other countries, where conflict continues, and the anxiety that that causes,” she said.
“While remembering, we must also be firm in our opposition to what can lead to war, whether that stems from imperialism, ideology or treating nations or peoples as inferior or unjustly.”
She also highlighted Wales’ “proud tradition” of international solidarity, including the annual peace message at the National Eisteddfod.
She closed by saying: “Let us honour memory not only through words, but through the choices we make today, supporting those who have served, standing alongside those affected by conflict, and working tirelessly for a world in which peace is secured through dialogue, co-operation and mutual respect.”
Party politics
Welsh Conservatives leader Darren Millar urged MSs to put aside “party politics” and work together to support those who have served.
He said tackling homelessness among veterans must be given the “highest possible priority”. He also said services such as Veterans’ NHS Wales must get the resources they need.
Mr Millar proposed a national military museum for Wales as “formal recognition” of the Welsh military and its role in “keeping the peace”.
Peace
Green MS Paul Rock, who represents Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, talked about his parents’ experiences of the Second World War, including his father’s service with the Royal Engineers.
He warned that war was not “just in the past”, pointing to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Mr Rock said he had laid a wreath at a war memorial in his constituency. It had red and white poppies, to honour those who served and to recognise the importance of working for peace.
Commonwealth
Labour’s Shav Taj, also an MS for Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf, told the chamber that more than 1.7 million service men and women from more than 150 countries and territories fought alongside British forces in the First and Second World Wars.
“Many later then settled here in Wales and helped shape the communities that we know today,” she said.
“Indeed, the very land on which this Senedd stands was shaped by the generations of people from around the world who made Wales their home.”
She added: “As we remember those who gave their lives, let us also remember the genuinely diverse communities across the Commonwealth, including those who settled here in Wales, who stood shoulder to shoulder with their British comrades and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
