AS A young man from Keighley today [Sunday] I was proud to honour those who had sacrificed their life so we can enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.

Walking the few steps to the war memorial to lay my wreath filled me for a moment with the pain that was suffered in Flanders fields. I also remembered my own grandfather who fought so valiantly in the Burma Campaign in the Second World War.

Amongst the many things that today reminds us of, is the sanctity of life and the sense of gratitude we all have for the generations that came before us.

Growing up here in Keighley at times I am troubled at the state of our nation – crime, robbery, exploitation. It makes me sad at what our forefathers would have said. Was their sacrifice all in vain?

Yet I am filled with optimism for a brighter future and a brighter Keighley. I am optimistic when I see the smiles on the young children that braved the rain yesterday to join me in selling poppies for the British Legion. I am optimistic when I see young men from Keighley giving up their time to clean the streets, feed the poor, help the elderly and rejuvenate our environment.

We, the youth of this town, owe so much to this town and so much to those that fought for our freedoms that we cannot for one moment forget. Although we can't repay their sacrifices, the least we can do is give something back.

I urge my fellow youngsters, sons of Keighley, from all walks of life, from all faiths and none to come together for a better Keighley and make our veterans proud of us.

FAHEEM AHMAD RAHMAN

Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Keighley youth leader