AT 11am on Sunday, November 8, as I stand in the drizzle with hundreds of local residents in Bradford on Avon, observing an impeccable two minutes’ silence, I have a moment to pause and reflect on how lucky we are.

From young Scouts and cadets to Second World War veterans whose active service ended decades ago, we all stood to remember those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom and liberty that we do today.

During the afternoon, I attended a memorial service and reception at Melksham Assembly Hall, attended by members of the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, Cadets, serving and ex-members of the Armed Forces – amounting to several hundred people.

As I laid a wreath on behalf of my constituents, I am reminded how privileged I am to do my job; representing our community in Parliament, standing up for local residents and helping constituents with their problems.

I think of one of the most poignant lines from one of my favourite poems: ‘So brave are our Fallen who put their tomorrows aside. Now we wear our Red Poppy and wear it with Pride.’ Remembrance Day is also a time when we can think about those, many from our local community, who are currently serving in our armed forces to protect our peace, our freedom and our security.

At a time of so much global uncertainty and very real threats of terrorist attacks on the UK, the work of our security and defence services has never been so vital.

Thank you to each and every one of them. On Saturday evening I joined fellow Community Emergency Volunteers to marshal at the Bradford on Avon fireworks display.

Although it was damp, more than 4,000 turned out to watch the spectacular fireworks and it was an absolute pleasure to see the joy on the faces of the children of the three schools who will benefit from the money raised at the brilliantly organised the event.

Huge congratulations to all those involved.

Each week, as well as writing this weekly column, I send out an e-news email to local residents with a more comprehensive update of my work in Parliament and in Wiltshire.

To sign up for my e-news visit michelledonelan.co.uk/subscribe and, as always, if you have a national or local issue you would like to discuss or book a surgery appointment please call 01249 704465 or send me an email at michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk.