Christmas releases often focus on celebration and nostalgia. However, British singer-songwriter Stu Mendelson has chosen a more meaningful message for his latest single. ‘We’re Still Here’ brings veterans and Military Wives Choirs together in a powerful tribute to the Armed Forces community.
Released on Armistice Day, 11 November 2026, the original song aims to raise awareness of the challenges veterans and their families face long after military service ends. It also carries an ambitious goal: reaching the Christmas No.1 position.
The collaboration features veterans from The Muster Point in Hertfordshire and Veterans in Crisis Sunderland. Singers from the Chicksands and Henlow Military Wives Choirs also contribute to the recording.
Rather than simply telling veterans’ stories, Mendelson wanted the community to help create the song itself. He wrote, composed and arranged the track, while also taking on the lead vocals. He independently organised and funded the entire project, overseeing its production, recording and distribution.
A Personal Story Behind the Music
Mendelson’s connection to the Armed Forces community comes from his own experience. He joined the British Army in 2005 as a Royal Engineer. During deployment in Afghanistan in December 2009, a Taliban improvised explosive device seriously injured him.
He lost his right eye and remained completely blind for several weeks. He eventually regained vision in his left eye.
After leaving military service, Mendelson faced further challenges, including PTSD, mental health difficulties and addiction. Following his recovery and becoming clean and sober in 2023, he began focusing his energy on supporting other veterans.
He co-founded The Muster Point, a community organisation based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The organisation helps former service personnel build friendships, reduce isolation and access support.
Mendelson has also become an advocate for veterans’ affairs. He has spoken in Parliament and engaged with MPs and government departments to highlight gaps in support for former service personnel.
Music has since become an important part of his own journey. Songwriting offers him a way to process experiences, communicate emotions and explore a new creative direction.
From a Charity Idea to an Original Christmas Song
The project began last year with a light-hearted suggestion to create a charity Christmas single. This developed into ‘Do They Know It’s Muster Time?’, a military-themed rewrite of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’.
The version received approval from Sir Bob Geldof and encouraged Mendelson to pursue songwriting more seriously.
For 2026, he wanted to create something original and involve more members of the Armed Forces community.
“I didn’t want to simply write a song about veterans. I wanted the Armed Forces community to be part of making it,” Mendelson explains.
“The song is about reminding the nation that we’re still here, and that for many veterans and their families, the battles continue long after the fighting ends.”
The song also recognises that Christmas can be a difficult period for people experiencing loss, isolation or personal struggles. Its message centres on friendship, connection and the importance of facing difficult times together.
Supporting Three Armed Forces Organisations
Money generated by the single will support three organisations: Military Wives Choirs, The Muster Point and Veterans in Crisis Sunderland.
Each plays a role in supporting members of the Armed Forces community and their families.
Through this collaboration, Mendelson hopes to take the experiences of veterans beyond the headlines. The project highlights the lasting impact of military service while offering a message of recognition, resilience and hope.
With ‘We’re Still Here’, he has created more than a seasonal release. It is a collective statement from people whose stories deserve to remain heard.
‘We’re Still Here’ was released on 11 November 2026.
