By Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell

Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of our armed forces who have fought – and in some cases, died – to protect our way of life and our fundamental British values. Not just in the two World Wars, but since then in the Falklands, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflicts.

Remembrance Sunday is taking place this weekend, providing an opportunity for us all to pause and reflect on this service and sacrifice.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when brave soldiers from Britain and our allied nations stormed the beaches of Normandy to liberate France from Nazi occupation. I was proud to commemorate D-Day back in June. Falling as it did in the middle of the election campaign, the commemoration offered an opportunity to step back from the white heat of politics, stand beside political rivals, and remember what is most important – service.

This week, I have taken the opportunity to plant a tribute on behalf of Bracknell in the House of Commons Garden of Remembrance. I also visited the pop-up poppy shop in the Lexicon, and spoke with volunteers from the Royal British Legion and the Brownies about their fundraising efforts.

I will be taking part in the Remembrance Sunday ceremonies this weekend, laying a wreath on behalf of Bracknell, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Whitegrove.

The first duty of any Government is to keep our country safe, and with solemn responsibility in mind, I have enrolled on the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme – a cross-party programme designed to give Members of Parliament a better insight into the lived experience of service personnel and their families.

I was delighted to visit Royal Military Academy Sandhurst earlier this year with the Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, and in the last few weeks to meet with Army Cadets in Bracknell with the Minister. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Army Cadets for the important role they play in Remembrance commemorations.

The Government is determined to deliver for those who serve, our veterans, and their families; including by establishing an independent Armed Forces Commissioner and by signing the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.

For all those who have served – at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them