Nigel Farage has hailed the sense of “civic community” across the nation as the Reform UK leader spoke candidly with GB News’ Charlie Peters along Whitehall.
Giving a heartfelt admission, the Clacton MP looked hopeful towards the future, noting that there had been an “uptick” in younger generations attending Remembrance services up and down Britain.
Speaking to Mr Farage along Whitehall, Charlie commented: “I think for Armistice Day the sense of civic community is so important.
“We’ll also hear about pals battalions. We’ll hear about football teams commemorating this day.
“There’ll be representatives from the Football Association here as well. It demonstrates really just how the entirety of society was involved in that process.”
Mr Farage concurred: “One of the fascinations of WWI, it’s the first time we have a large scale civilian army. Initially volunteers, then of course conscripted in 1917 and 1918.
“And yes, the whole country was involved. The whole country suffered loss.
“And then there were about three villages in the whole of England and Scotland and Wales that didn’t lose someone in the Great War.
Nigel Farage hailed the sense of civic community in Britain
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GB NEWS
“When I was young, the shadow of this still hung actually pretty heavily. And of course, there’s no one left from WWI.
“And even our WWII veterans are getting older. But what I’ve noticed there seems to be an uptick amongst the younger generation that are turning up to services all over the country.
“Interest in this is far from gone.
“And also we’re hearing from the Prince of Wales encouraging people, young people in particular, to wear a poppy,” Charlie added.
During Remembrance, Mr Farage opened up about what he reflects on during this private moment of reflection.
He said: “What I think about is my grandfather’s company going on a night raid, 58 of them killed or wounded – I have actually been and visited the spot.
“My grandfather was badly wounded. There are the graves of lads he was with who were killed right next to him.
“So I think, well, I’m lucky to be here. That’s a very personal way of looking at it, but I just feel I’m very lucky to be here.”
The Reform UK boss showed optimism for the ‘uptick’ in younger generations attending services
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GB NEWS
Mr Farage lauded those who fought in the two world wars, praising their “vast cost” that defended the “basic freedoms”.
“It’s just as simple as that. And that’s why it matters, and that’s why it’ll go on mattering,” he told Charlie.
At 11am, the nation fell silent to remember those who died in service for their nation.
Princess Kate was among those remembering the fallen heroes as she laid a wreath at the National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield, Staffordshire.