On Monday, August 4th, it will be 100 years since the outbreak of World War One, then called the Great War, ''the war to end all wars''. Sadly history shows, that since that time wars have continued to rage all over the world, the Israel Gaza conflict of the past week being a prime example. The country has seen over the years to many British troops still being injured and killed since the Great War ended. The sad site of coffins draped in the Union Jack being carried off a plane is sadly a regular part of the news in recent years. There are many new articles and books looking at the events and history of the war, some looking at the individuals story.

Now, 100  years later, it is part of the history of our country and taught in school. But although history, it is still very personal to many families. Many schoolchildren make the trip to the battlefields to see the memorials there. It's important that they see these sites and so understand a little more about the casualties on both sides.

Every evening at the Menin Gate in Ypres a ceremony takes place to honour and remember those whose names are carved into the structure of the memorial gate. This ceremony has been held every day since the Gate was built. A lone trumpeter sounds the last post and people stand in silence alone with their thoughts. This week there will be a chance for the whole country to remember the Great War either by taking part in services around the country or at Westminster Abbey or by taking part in their own homes with the Lights Out campaign .

The lights out event is on August 4th at 10pm, the British Legion hope that in homes across the country at 10pm  people will switch off the lights and for one hour light a candle in memory of those who fought in the Great War. 

There are many stories about families and communities who lost so many brave young men . They are the ones who have made Britain today by fighting for freedom .

It will now be people remembering Uncle Frank or a father who was killed, injured or gased in the trenches. But also remember the people who died in the bombing raids in the UK. People are often not aware of the airships bombing Whitby and Scarborough to name but two, there were other towns and cities affected as well.