SHOULD the fallen from the great wars and now Iraq and Afghan­istan be remembered with a new public holiday on November 11?

It is a question being asked by Cllr Alan Preest who has put a motion to the district council asking it to write to Prime Minister, David Cameron, to see if 'full consideration' can be given to re-allocating one of the existing national holidays to November 11 to create a "true proper and fitting memorial .... To those who have given and continue to give the ultimate sacrifice.."

Cllr Preest will present his motion at this week's full council meeting of the Forest of Dean District Council (January 12).

He will argue: "Following the Great war, the moment the Armistice was signed the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month became the acknowledged moment of remembrance when everyone stopped and reflected on the sacrifices any  by service personnel in defence of this country.

"Since then, sadly, there has been a continuing sacrifice in the conflicts that have followed and with the presence of British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan service personnel continue to be killed.

"Sadly, due to the current intensive operations the names of many young men and women are now being added to war memorials throughout the land. We give thought to the many that are maimed and injured and surviving, many with horrific injuries.

"There is a resurgence in support for remembrance of sacrifice caused by these continuing conflict and now therefore I believe it is the most appropriate time for the country to dedicate November 11 as a national public holiday."