MP for Central Devon Mel Stride, recently placed a Poppy cross stake in Parliament’s Constituency Garden of Remembrance as a tribute to Central Devon constituents who have served, or continue to serve, to defend and protect our democratic freedoms and way of life.

The Constituency Garden of Remembrance was opened by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsey Hoyle, in 2021.

It has become an annual part of a calendar of Remembrance activity on the Parliamentary Estate.

All 650 constituencies represented in the House of Commons are reflected with a Remembrance stake, which is placed in the ground by the Member of Parliament on behalf of their constituents.

MPs can choose to write on the back of their constituency stake if they wish, and this year Central Devon’s stake featured a touching tribute from Captain Alexander C Scougall RN Rtd.

It read: “From the fields, factory floors and service industries, they respond to the call to defend freedom. We shall always remember those who never returned to enjoy that hard-won freedom.”

Mr Stride said: “It is an honour to represent Central Devon in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance, and Captain Scougall’s words made the tribute all the more special.

“Remembrance is a time to pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our country and show appreciation to those who continue to fight for us.”

This year marks the 80th anniversaries of momentous battles and turning points of the Second World War and is a main focus of many of The Royal British Legions 2024 Remembrance events.