Trudy's Whitehaven News column from October 5, 2022:
As this is my first Whitehaven News column, since the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I would like to pay tribute to her lifetime of dedicated service and exemplary leadership.
During the period of national mourning ahead of The Queen’s state funeral, I was able to visit Buckingham Palace to see for myself the carpet of beautiful flowers that had been laid, and to read many of the heartfelt tributes. It was tremendously moving to witness the outpouring of emotion following Her Majesty’s passing – of grief, respect, admiration and gratitude – from across the world.
I can’t imagine another public figure who will ever be so universally treasured.
As we approach the annual period of Remembrance, I am proud to have the opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice given by the Copeland community by contributing to a commemorative garden in Westminster.
I have been invited to plant a wooden tribute in the House of Commons’ Constituency Garden of Remembrance, in New Palace Yard, to recognise and remember everyone from Copeland who has stood up to defend our way of life.
The Garden of Remembrance project was launched last year by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, and it was incredibly poignant to see the garden filled with tributes planted by MPs from across the UK on behalf of their constituencies.
I am now inviting people to share stories with me of individuals and regiments with a connection to Copeland – and in whose name I will make the dedication this year – and I will share their photos and tributes on my website and social media over the Remembrance period.
Last year, it was an honour to receive and share tales of such heroism from across Copeland in this way; from 100 years ago right up to the present day.
It is never more important than today that we unite to honour those who served – and continue to serve – to protect our freedoms and way of life.
Please send your stories and photos to me at [email protected] before Friday, November 4. I look forward to receiving and sharing them over the following week.
In the meantime, the inspirational stories that were shared with me last year continue to be available to read at my website: www.trudyharrison.co.uk/remembrance
