"Remembrance is more than a moment of silence"

With over two decades of military service and frontline work, Stephen’s journey is one of resilience, honour, and purpose. His experience spans conflict zones and community care, and his words offer a powerful reminder that remembrance is not just about looking back – it’s about how we live today.

Stephen's story:

"Remembrance, to me, isn’t just about standing still for two minutes once a year. It’s about carrying the memories, respect, and lessons of those moments every single day. It’s about remembering faces, names, and the small acts of courage that often went unseen.

“Having served in the British Army and experienced conflict across the past twenty years, Remembrance holds a meaning that’s deeply personal. It’s not just about those who died in past wars, but also about those still living with the effects, physically and mentally, of what they went through.

“For me, the scars are not just emotional; they’re physical too. I was blown up in Afghanistan in 2014, and that moment changed my life forever. It’s something I carry with me every day; a reminder of how fragile life is, and how quickly things can change. “But it’s also a reminder of the strength, resilience, and brotherhood that exist even in the darkest of times.

“When I think about Remembrance, I think about the lads I served alongside those who came home, those who didn’t, and those who came home but have struggled to find peace since. I remember the laughter in impossible situations, the fear we all tried to hide, and the deep sense of purpose we shared.

“Standing in silence on Remembrance Sunday, I don’t just see poppies and medals - I see faces, hear voices, and feel the weight of memories that never really fade. The sound of the Last Post brings it all back: the chaos, the courage, and the loss.

“It’s not just about looking back; it’s about how we live now. Remembrance reminds me to live in a way that makes those sacrifices mean something; to look out for others, to keep going when things are hard, and to never forget the price that’s been paid for the freedoms we have.

“After two decades of conflict and service, both in the military and now on the frontline at EEAST, Remembrance has become a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect. It’s a promise that we will never forget, and that we’ll keep carrying forward the spirit of those who gave everything.

“So when I bow my head each November, I do it for my friends, for those still fighting their own battles, and for the people who can’t stand beside us anymore. Remembrance is part of who I am - a reminder that even when you’re scarred and changed, you can still stand tall, still serve, and still make a difference."