Beverley fell silent as residents, veterans and serving personnel gathered to honour those who gave their lives for our country.
Graham joined the Remembrance service at Beverley Minster before laying a wreath at the town’s war memorial on behalf of Beverley and Holderness.
The occasion marked James Dick OBE’s final Remembrance service as Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the King’s representative in the county. Graham thanked him for his service to East Yorkshire and its communities.
Following the service, Graham spoke with David Elvidge of SSAFA about the charity’s support for serving personnel, veterans and their families. Their conversation highlighted the importance of local Armed Forces charities and groups working together so nobody is left without help.
As Honorary President of the Beverley branch of the Royal British Legion, Graham has longstanding links with the local veterans’ community. He supports veterans’ breakfast clubs in Beverley and Withernsea and has pressed for better living standards for serving personnel at Leconfield.
Graham also nominated Withernsea veterans’ champion Darren England for a Prime Minister’s Points of Light award. He presented Darren’s certificate in 2024, recognising his work supporting veterans and bringing people together for Remembrance.
Serving personnel, veterans and their families who need practical, financial or emotional support can visit ssafa.org.uk or call SSAFA’s free, confidential Forcesline on 0800 260 6780.
Graham said:
“It was an honour to lay a wreath on behalf of Beverley and Holderness and stand with people from across our community to remember the fallen.
“Behind every name on our war memorials is a person, a family and a life cut short. We owe them a debt we can never repay and a duty to pass their memory to the next generation.
“I also want to thank James Dick for his service as Lord-Lieutenant. He has given his time generously to the people of East Yorkshire, and it was a privilege to join him for his final Remembrance service in the role.
“Speaking with David Elvidge was a reminder that our responsibility to those who serve continues throughout the year. SSAFA, the Royal British Legion and our veterans’ breakfast clubs provide friendship, practical help and someone who understands.
“Those who have served our country, and the families beside them, must never be forgotten. If you need support, please come forward.”
