This week, people across Wales and the United Kingdom will come together to commemorate the sacrifice of our brave armed forces and the victory they won over Nazi Germany. Wales was at the heart of the war effort. Welsh coal had powered British naval ships, child evacuees found safety in the Welsh countryside, whilst Cardiff and Swansea both faced aerial bombardment from the Luftwaffe and on the frontlines in Europe, Welsh regiments fought fiercely against fascism. In 1944, the 53rd Welsh Division landed in Normandy. They saw heavy fighting, sustaining almost 4,000 casualties. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here But amongst the chaos, there were countless stories of huge heroism. Lieutenant Tasker Watkins of 1/5th Battalion, the Welch Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery. His company was alone and surrounded when they were challenged by the enemy. Part of his citation reads ‘He ordered his men to scatter and himself charged the post with a Bren gun and silenced it. He then led the remnants of his company back to battalion headquarters.’ Lieutenant Watkins went on to become Welsh Lord Chief Justice of Appeal and President of the Welsh Rugby Union until 2004. But for the few stories of courage we do know, I know there are many more stories which go untold. Every last person deserves our respect and utmost gratitude for their service. It’s because of the bravery of those Welsh men and women that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Whenever I meet veterans, it is the greatest privilege of my job to thank them for their service and their sacrifice. I also have the honour of meeting serving members of our Armed Forces today. These are the people who are holding alight the torch handed to us by those Second World War veterans, the people protecting our democracy and keeping our country secure. I know for all the pride they take in their job; it also comes with sacrifices. Separation from family and loved ones is no easier today than it was in the 1940s. That’s why it’s so important for us today not just to give thanks to the greatest generation that won our greatest victory, but to those serving today to keep that victory alive. Troops like 1 Royal Welsh, which has served in Eastern Europe to defend and safeguard our NATO allies, are on the frontlines of our efforts for security on the continent. Together, we will remember them, together, we will honour them and together, we will keep their memory alive through our continued efforts for peace and prosperity - in this country and across the world.