Last updated 11:22, Thursday, 30 October 2008

As men who lost their lives to war in Afghanistan are honoured today at a memorial service in Colchester, Cumbria will remember her own fallen heroes.

A service taking place to honour 15 soldiers – all associated with 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment – will offer tribute to those killed in action in Afghanistan.

Among those remembered specifically will be Private David Murray, 19, from Carlisle. A young man who lost his life to a suicide bomber.

But it would be impossible for this particular memorial not to prompt thoughts of sorrow and pride for all young men and women who have met their country’s call in increasingly dangerous conditions.

Remembrance Day draws closer as the country’s opportunity to give pause for thought for all who have served; risking and giving their lives for a belief in greater good and in duty.

Too often Remembrance and the Poppy Appeal, which raises funds to help ex-servicemen and their families, are associated with survivors and the fallen of two world wars. But as today’s sombre memorial – shared by friends, families and home-coming soldiers – reminds us painfully, young men and women still sacrifice everything for our freedoms and security.

We owe them a debt of gratitude and through Remembrance poppies, our gift of support.