Star comment: Honour the memory of war dead

As the years go by, the number of survivors able to share their first-hand memories of the two World Wars with future generations continues to dwindle.

But it is vital, on so many fronts, that we do not lose touch with these tumultuous chapters in our history, and that they remain sharply relevant to the lessons we learn, and the values we promote in our modern-day lives.

Shropshire's World War One veteran Harry Patch – dubbed 'The Last Tommy' as he was the last survivor of the horrors of trench warfare – died four years ago, but has been brought back to life in a poignant digital portrait as part of a commemoration of the conflict's centenary.

Overlaid with a haunting tune from Radiohead, it's a perfect example of how groups like the Not Forgotten Association are working hard to make nostalgia accessible and relevant to the new internet-savvy generation.

Although Harry wasn't born and bred in the county, he became an adopted son of Shropshire, living much of his young life in Hadley, and also spending time in Church Stretton and Gobowen.

The way Harry talked about war, and the sights he saw at the notorious the Battle of Passchendaele, had a profound effect on many people.

It would be very easy for our generation to forget the true horror of war, without the likes of Harry to remind us. Projects like this play their part in keeping his messages, and his legacy, alive.

And this is not just about a wave of patriotism. Remembering the dead of the First and Second World Wars is vital in helping prevent future conflict, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

They have a point. Nothing is more important, or more powerful, than taking time to understand what happened, why it happened and what can be done in the future to prevent it from happening again.