Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds has planted Torfaen’s remembrance cross in Parliament’s Garden of Remembrance to pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

The Garden of Remembrance was initiated in 2021 by the Speaker of the House of Commons alongside the Royal British Legion to allow each MP to lay a remembrance tribute on behalf of the constituency.

In 2024 there has been a focus on remembering the Second World War generation, drawing attention to the breadth of anniversaries taking place. The year 1944 was a turning point in the Second World War and signalled the beginning of the liberation of Europe.

Although D-Day was fundamental to the Allied victory, the Second World War was not won on any single day – or battle – and it is important to recognise all who served from Britain, the Commonwealth and the Allied nations, such as those who served in the Battles of Monte Cassino, Imphal and Kohima, and Operation Market Garden.

On laying the remembrance cross, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP said: “It’s a solemn privilege to lay a remembrance cross on behalf of the people of Torfaen to remember those who gave so much for our freedoms. I know how important the time of remembrance is to our communities in Torfaen.

Thank you to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Royal British Legion for ensuring those who have served, and continue to serve, will be honoured.”