Remembrance Belongs to Everyone: Farrah Chandra-Wade on Military Legacies and Inclusive Storytelling.

On a recent episode of The People's Pulse on The People's Frequency, we had the pleasure of speaking with Farrah Chandra-Wade, Engagement Specialist with the Royal British Legion in the West of England.

Our conversation explored this year's BLAC Awards theme, "Military Legacies," and why it is so important that the stories of African, Caribbean, South Asian and wider Commonwealth communities are recognised as part of Britain's shared history.

Farrah's role focuses on building relationships with communities that have often been overlooked in traditional narratives of remembrance. Working alongside grassroots organisations, schools, artists and community partners, she helps create opportunities for people to reconnect with their own family histories and understand the diverse contributions that have helped shape the society we live in today.

One of the most powerful messages from our conversation was that remembrance is not just about looking back at the past, it is also about understanding who we are today.

Farrah explained that many older generations rarely spoke about their wartime experiences, meaning important family stories were often lost or forgotten. By uncovering and recording these stories, younger generations are able to gain a greater sense of belonging, pride and confidence in their heritage.

The interview also highlighted that the Royal British Legion's work extends far beyond the annual Poppy Appeal. While many people recognise the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, fewer realise that the organisation provides year-round support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. This includes financial assistance, physical and mental wellbeing services, and rehabilitation programmes designed to help veterans navigate the challenges of civilian life.

As part of its partnership with the BLAC Awards 2026, the Royal British Legion is helping to explore the theme of Military Legacies, recognising that service affects not only individuals, but entire families and communities across generations.

Farrah shared the inspiring story of Lillian Bader, a mixed-race woman who joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force after the Royal Air Force lifted its colour bar. Through determination and skill, she trained as an instrument repairer and rose to the rank of Corporal, becoming one of many individuals whose contributions deserve greater recognition.

The conversation served as a reminder that remembrance belongs to everyone.

By embracing more inclusive storytelling and acknowledging the sacrifices and achievements of people from all backgrounds, we build a richer and more honest understanding of our collective history.

As Farrah so beautifully put it, these stories are not separate histories, they are part of our shared heritage.

Get ready for an inspiring experience! To catch the full interview with Farrah Chandra-Wade, head over to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7D2-kHMOS4 and

Want to dive into the excitement of the upcoming BLAC Awards 2026? Visit The BLAC Awards: https://blac.org.uk/ for all the details!

Plus, discover more about the incredible work of the Royal British Legion by visiting: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/