Freedom is a word that has more potency when used by someone who does not have it. In a political context, I would associate a lack of freedom with a lack of democracy and with autocratic regimes. Where it does not exist, freedom is something that is cherished and sought after, but when as an individual one has never known anything but freedom, it can be something we appreciate less and take for granted.
This is one reason why Remembrance Sunday is such a poignant event, because we stop and we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom that subsequent generations have enjoyed and continue to enjoy. As a country, we come together to pay our respects to those lost in the first and second world wars, as well as those from more recent conflicts who have fought for freedom and against tyranny across the world.
The fight for freedom is on-going and will hopefully be achieved without wars. While more countries have freedom than ever before, there are still far too many people who have basic freedoms denied to them. Around the world, there are many places where people do not have freedom of faith or expression, and where there is no real democracy or rule of law.
It is pleasing that the direction of travel is the right one and as I write on Remembrance Sunday, Burma has held its first real election in 25 years and could be on the verge of embracing democracy. Burma is where a huge number of British and Allied forces perished during the Second World War and it has always saddened me that the Burmese people still do not enjoy the freedoms we have. With results not known as I write, it is too early to say if true freedom is about to be brought to Burma but I certainly hope so.
Perhaps the greatest way we can honour the fallen heroes of past conflicts is to advance freedom and democracy without the need for war. However, when faced with terrorists and tyranny, our resolve must always be resolute.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
11th November 2015