Today, I had the privilege of standing shoulder to shoulder with my dad, my brothers, and fellow members of the Royal Navy Association for the annual Remembrance Sunday service. It was a day to reflect, remember, and honour all those who have served and sacrificed in the name of freedom and peace. As a management consultant, my work is often focused on digital transformation, complex problem-solving, and shaping the future. Yet, on days like this, the importance of remembering our collective past feels more significant than ever.

We gathered in our uniforms, proud yet humble, representing not only our Association but the enduring spirit of service that defines the Royal Navy. The weight of history was tangible; each poppy worn and each wreath laid represented countless stories of bravery and loss. As the Last Post played and silence enveloped the crowd, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—not only for those who gave their lives in the wars of the past but also for the quiet service of veterans who walk among us today.

My dad and brothers, who share this special bond of service, stood by me, their eyes reflecting the same mixture of pride, sadness, and solidarity. Together, we remembered friends who never came home and those who continue to carry the scars of their service, whether visible or hidden. Being part of this tradition as a family added a deep personal layer of significance, a reminder of the generational bond forged through shared experience and service.

This day also serves as a poignant reminder of why we must strive to create a better future—one marked by cooperation, understanding, and innovation. In my work, I often speak of transformation in industries like utilities, healthcare, and transportation, aiming to improve systems and people’s lives. But today, transformation takes on a different meaning: transforming memory into motivation, history into hope.

I’m humbled to be a part of a community that never forgets the cost of freedom and remains dedicated to supporting each other in times of need. As I walked away with my family, I felt proud not just to be a member of the Royal Navy Association but to carry forward the lessons of the past in every aspect of my life—personal and professional. Remembrance Sunday isn’t just a day; it’s a commitment to remember, honour, and strive for a better world.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning – we will remember them.