SSAFA remembers those who served and stands beside their families 

11 November 2026

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity joined the nation in commemoration at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on 7 November and the Cenotaph march-past on Remembrance Sunday the following day. It also held a collective Act of Remembrance at 11am on 11 November, with hundreds of colleagues taking part.

Around 50 people marched with SSAFA on Whitehall, including volunteers and family members whose loved ones died during service or later from injuries sustained. For those families, the national act of remembrance is deeply personal.

Corporal Ben Leaning was killed in action in Iraq in 2007. His mother, Tracey, was part of the SSAFA contingent at The Cenotaph.  

In just a few words, Tracey captured the feelings of many, saying: “Being able to participate in The Cenotaph march gives me great comfort, knowing the country is honouring my son and others.” 

Families were the reason SSAFA began. In 1885, Major James Gildea’s appeal for the families of soldiers and sailors laid the foundations of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association. That founding purpose still guides its work more than 140 years later. 

Today, SSAFA provides practical, financial, and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. Its work includes welfare and benefits advice, help with housing and disability-related needs, and guidance through the transition to civilian life. It also helps families manage the pressures of military life through its work in service communities and its overseas health and social care services. 

For bereaved families, SSAFA’s support groups bring together adults following the death of a serving person or veteran, in combat or non-combat circumstances. They offer peer support, conversation, and a moment to reflect in a safe environment, but do not provide therapeutic support. 

SSAFA also works closely with the Defence Bereaved Families Group on opportunities to remember, including Remembrance weekend in London. 

Ellen Chard, Head of SSAFA Support Groups, said: “As the Remembrance period comes to a close, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of our Armed Forces community and the families who have stood alongside them.  

“SSAFA remains honoured and privileged to continue supporting bereaved military families, serving personnel and veterans. Coming from a Service family myself, this time of year continues to hold a very special significance.  

“Over the past week, SSAFA has supported people and families across the country, including at the Festival of Remembrance and the Cenotaph. For me, what remains so important is the connection and pride we share as a community, and the opportunity to come together in respect and remembrance.” 

When the crowds have gone, SSAFA’s commitment remains to those still serving, to veterans, and to the families who stand beside them or carry their memory.