Rehman is urging school children and constituents to visit their local Commonwealth war graves to gain a greater understanding of the impact of the First World War.
He visited the war graves at Gillingham Woodland Cemetery on Friday (16 May 2014) to learn more about the sacrifices made by local people during the Great War. He was shown around by Tony Sargeson, Regional Supervisor for the war graves in the South East.
A national initiative is being spearheaded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is responsible for maintaining the graves of Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the War. The Commission is encouraging residents to visit sites to mark the centenary of the First World War.
A Visitor Information Panel has recently been installed at Woodlands Cemetery to provide information on the casualties buried there and visitors can use the quick response code to access stories of the fallen on their smartphones.
Rehman said:
"This year we are marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. This is an opportunity to reflect and commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
"I would encourage local schools and residents to visit the war graves in Gillingham and Rainham to learn about the extraordinary events of a hundred years ago and the personal stories of those who fell."