(L-R): John Marshall, British Amassador to Luxembourg; Air Marshall Sir Barry North;

On Friday evening, the British Ambassador to Luxembourg, John Marshall, hosted a reception in his residence on the occasion of the annual Royal Air Force commemoration week-end in the Grand Duchy.

Over 30 people had travelled over from the UK, including ten service personnel, including Air Marshall Sir Barry North. Today (Saturday), the schedule includes a visit to memorials in Hollerich and in Rambrouch, the latter being the location of the 102 Squadron Memorial. The other graves are located in Asselborn, Diekirch, Hupperdange, Mertert

Afterwards, around 150 people are expected to attend the annual RAFA (Royal Air Force Association) Ball at the Novotel in Kirchberg, which is being held in aid of the RAF family and is being hosted by Air Marshal Philip Sturley. And on Sunday, a QRA lunch is also being organised.

Ambassador Marshall welcomed those attending the reception and said "As we prepare to leave the EU, we are not leaving Europe" and talked about a positive forward-looking message of being a security partner of the EU 27.

He referred to researching the links between the UK and Luxembourg, which started as tweets and led to an exhibition of 23 roll-up banners #LUXUKLINKS. Some are historical in nature, some are contemporary, and bring to life the deep relationship between the UK and Luxembourg. He explained that many of the links relate to WW1 and WW2 (represented in 4 of the banners), including Grand Duchess Charlotte in London during the war and communicating with Luxembourg using the BBC.

He recalled that 28 members of the RAF lost their lives and are buried at 8 different sites across Luxembourg. While it happened over 70 years ago, people still talk about it. He referred to appreciating the sacrifices made by members of the RAF and acknowledged that the graves of the young RAF airmen are well looked after. He stressed the importance of commemorating the sacrifices made and the importance of passing down through generations.

Air Marshall Sir Barry North thanked Ambassador Marshall for his generous, warm and personal hospitality and explained that the RAF delivers security for Europe, with Europe. He said "we must remember how things broke down that brought upon us the 2nd World War, particularly in the current political situation". He referred in particular to the period from 1932-39 ans added "war is not a good place. We should remember so we can learn".