Barking and Dagenham Council will be holding two major events on 10 and 11 November to commemorate those who have served and given their lives for their country. On Tuesday, 10 November, a statue will be unveiled of Job Drain VC, who won his Victoria Cross during World War 1, when he rescued vital artillery guns in the face of enemy fire. As part of the same event, commemorative plaques to Job Drain and two other local Victoria Cross winners, Sir Tasker Watkins and William Hope, will be unveiled at the addresses where the heroes once lived. On Wednesday, 11 November, a Remembrance Day ceremony will honour those who have made great sacrifices in theatres of war. There will also be a display commemorating various military conflicts. Members of the Royal British Legion will take part alongside invited local people, ex-servicemen and women, people from sheltered housing who have memories of the war years, young people and members of the Council. Councillor Liam Smith, Council Leader, and Councillor Bob Little, Deputy Leader, will attend both events. Cllr Smith said: "This year we are not only remembering the servicemen and women who served and, in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice, in past military conflicts, but are also paying homage to our own local heroes. "We are unveiling a statue of Job Drain VC and plaques to other local VC winners as a lasting memorial to the courage and heroism of the service personnel who defended the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. "We are also remembering the men and women who have laid down their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years." You are invited to send a reporter and photographer to both of these events. The unveiling of the Job Drain VC statue will be held on Tuesday, 10 November at The Broadway Theatre between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, to be followed by a tour by courtesy coach to view the unveiling of the plaques. The Remembrance Day ceremony will be held between 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Wednesday 11 November at Barking Learning Centre.
