ON November 11 this year, people the world over will be thinking of those who gave their lives in war.
Since the First World War came to an end on that day in 1918, it has been widely acknowledged as the annual focus for communities to gather together to remember their dead. For the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, though, the act of remembrance has been a feature of its daily work for more than 80 years.
It is the commission's task to ensure that the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars are commemorated by name either by a headstone marking their grave if it is known, or if not, on one of numerous memorials to the missing.
There are Commonwealth war graves in more than 23,000 different locations in 148 countries, and whether they are in directly maintained war cemeteries, or remote, isolated and inhospitable sites that receive few visitors, none are forgotten by the commission.
'Our charters dictate that these men and women be commemorated in perpetuity, and to their families, friends and comrades, the value of our work is unquestioned,' said Peter Francis, speaking for the commission.
'But, as we move further away from the events that caused so many deaths, we must make sure that future generations have a sound appreciation of the sacrifices made on their behalf, and the value of remembrance.'
Fortunately, there seems to be a considerable basis of public interest to be built upon, and initiatives led by the commission to foster a sense of awareness and communal responsibility for war graves, especially those at home, have been warmly received.
'Feedback has been very encouraging so far,' said Peter. 'It is evident that people still regard our work as relevant today, and with their support, we will continue to ensure that the names of those who died for our benefit are not forgotten.'
There are more than 170,000 Commonwealth war graves in the United Kingdom, the vast majority of them not in military or war cemeteries, but spread between 12,000 civil cemeteries and churchyards.
These men and women were often local people, but others died in military hospitals and camps posted to the area, many miles from family and home.
We are not necessarily looking for help with the care of these graves, but would like to encourage people, particularly young people, to visit them and remember those who died, not only at this time of year, but at other times too.
If you would like to know more about war graves in your area, write to Community Involvement, The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 2 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7DX.