Speaking as Remembrance Sunday drew to a close, Carla Lockhart said:

 “As local Member of Parliament, I count it a solemn privilege to stand with communities across Upper Bann in remembering the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in defending our nation and our freedoms.

War memorials across Upper Bann have the names of so many of the fallen etched on them. On Remembrance Sunday, as I stand at each memorial, it is hard to comprehend the distress that ensued not just on the battlefield, but from the messages arriving that loved ones would not return home. Families left broken at the loss of a husband, father, son or brother, communities left devastated at the loss of many local men of a generation.

It is important that we never forget the sacrifices made to defend our freedom. We think of the loss of life in the First and Second World War, but we also think of conflicts in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands. We also remember those who served in defending Northern Ireland from the actions of terrorists.

At ceremonies in Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge it was heartening to see the large crowds in attendance at these local acts of Remembrance. Of all ages and backgrounds, thousands of people turned out to pay tribute to the fallen. It was my honour to lay a wreath at each ceremony on behalf of the people of Upper Bann.

It was also a privilege to attend the Salvation Army Service in Lurgan on the evening of Remembrance Sunday to give thanks to Almighty God for his goodness to our nation, and to remember the families of those who mourn.

My thanks go to our local Royal British Legion branches and all those involved in organising local Acts of Remembrance, and all those who attended to pay their respects. We will remember them.”