For me Remembrance Sunday is a poignant time of the year, linking us with those who fight in the conflicts of today and with those who did so in times past.

We must never forget the extraordinary courage and dedication of them all. Our thoughts will always remain with the families and friends of those we have lost.

At the four Remembrance Sunday services in Newham on November 8 we will honour our heroes, remember their achievements and say thank you for their sacrifices. I’ll be at the Cenotaph in East Ham’s Central Park alongside members of the Royal British Legion, G Company 7 Rifles, and others from our uniformed and cadet services.

It will be an honour to stand alongside those who have nobly served and continue to do so.

Now, as they did before, they represent all walks of life, but share the same quality - a dedication to duty and a willingness to serve a cause larger than one’s self. Many of them didn’t ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields. They didn’t go to war because they loved to fight. They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways to defend our freedoms and way of life.

In Newham, we recognise their importance in a number of different ways. In 2012, we signed a covenant to supports members of the forces based in the borough. We were the first local authority to prioritise them for social housing. We also awarded Freedom of the Borough to G Company 7 Rifles.

To those veterans of the services joining us on Remembrance Sunday I thank you for answering the call of duty back in the day. To members of our Reserve units, we salute you.

I hope as many residents as possible can attend one of our services. It is a way to say we remember. To those who continue to serve it is a way to say thank you. More from Sir Robin