Remembrance Day: Building on the Past to Create the Future

Speech given by Lee Paine, on behalf of the Young Rail Professionals, at the Railway Workers WW1 Centenary Memorial Service, Southwark Cathedral, 2019

I served in the British Army and signed my will at 18 years old. It is not something you can do lightly; my predecessors would have known what it could have meant. Leaving behind their spouses, children, parents, their futures. Even those who did return from war, would never be the same again.

When you go home, tell them of us and say. For your tomorrow, we gave our today.

For your tomorrow, we gave our today.

This famous - and very moving - quote by John Maxwell Edmunds immediately came to mind when I was asked to make this address.

My brief was to talk about building on the past to create the future. And what an incredible past it has been to build on! The bravery, strength and resilience of those on the front line, was matched by determination, strength and selflessness of railway people who struggled on the home front. Their contribution was every bit as important as those who fought with bayonets on the front line.

Without these efforts by Britain’s railway workers our future would have been bleak indeed, and their gift of our tomorrow has not and will not go in vain, nor will it be forgotten. They provided a firm foundation on which great things have been built.

That’s why, events like today are so important for keeping these railway workers memories and sacrifices alive. It is their legacy, and it’s an incredible legacy to have left behind. Today is also a chance to celebrate the incredible advancements that came from the very depths of adversity. The creativity, resourcefulness and resilience demonstrated by everyone involved in the war effort, brought about many changes which have shaped the modern Britain we know today.

During the war women were able to prove they could carry out traditionally male roles, such as engineering. Today there is a big drive to encourage more women to join this fantastic industry and enhance diversity.

WW1 also helped demonstrate just how adaptable the rail industry can be. Working quickly and innovatively the railway was able to transport hundreds of thousands of soldiers, kit and equipment to the front line at a moment’s notice.

That spirit of rail delivery is in our DNA. We are now planning a future with new technology, new trains, and better ticketing for our passengers. Those before us gave us the foundations to succeed. For that we will be forever grateful.

Read more about our YRP ex-forces members at https://www.youngrailpro.com/news/514551/Armed-Forces-Day-A-chance-to-show-your-support.htm