Remembrance events are a time for reflection, for thanks and for respect for those who gave up their lives or suffered for the common good. This year the last soldiers who had fought in WW1 passed away and the November 11th remembrance ceremonies were held with astounding vigour so you can tell that we have not forgotten those who fought for us in the last century.

The modern wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought home just how easy it is to take our lives for granted, and as we reach the 100th death in Afghanistan in this year alone, there has been an outpouring of remembrance and thanks to those soldiers who still fight for our protection. Those people who are serving, injured or die at war have been remembered around the country with public displays of remembrance. Keynote speakers can create even more of an atmosphere by telling us about their first hand experience in the war and their touching accounts of their fellow soldiers.

Keynote speakers are often thought of as third rate celebrities who will do any event so long as they are being paid. However, there are members of the armed forces and everyday citizens that have personally experienced battle, warfare and injury who speak at events such as these. When you are listening to a soldier who has seen people die and lived in a war zone it really does make you realise just what soldiers go through and your respect increases.

However, the keynote speakers at these events will make it a speech full of optimism and hope rather than despair and sadness, because what we achieve on the battle field and what we have achieved, has shaped our success as a leader on the global stage. They demonstrate how our military efforts have made us one of the fairest democracies in the world and we keep on fighting to preserve our democracy from those countries that would see us fall.