East Surrey M.P. Peter Ainsworth joined with senior representatives of the Royal British Legion to unveil a newly refurbished and re-dedicated War Memorial at Barnett Shaw in Oxted on Saturday 14th July 2007..
The War Memorial had previously been displayed in the entrance of Oxted & Limpsfield War Memorial Hospital, which was closed a few years ago amongst great public concern.
Speaking at the event, Peter Ainsworth said:
"This is an especially poignant moment.
"First, we pay tribute to those who gave their lives in two World Wars and later conflicts. The passing of the years has not diminished the debt we owe them, who fought for our freedom.
"Secondly, hardly a week goes by now without the names of those who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan being reported to Parliament. Although the cause they are fighting for is less clear than that which inspired our soldiers in the two World Wars, nothing can diminish the respect we owe them for their courage, professionalism and sacrifice. Our thoughts are with their families, and the tragic consequences of conflict are with us still.
"Thirdly, the unveiling of this memorial marks, perhaps, the final chapter in the sad history of the closure of Oxted & Limpsfield War Memorial Hospital. It was a place held high in the heart of the local community until it became itself a victim, felled by political interference and bureaucratic chicanery."
In a reference to the continuing struggle to get the NHS to honour its pledge to provide an X Ray service in Oxted, Mr Ainsworth concluded:
"Those who died for their country in two World Wars lived in a more honourable age, when there was a just expectation that promises made by Ministers and public servants would be kept."
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