Heartwarming Tribute to the Fallen
A record number turned out for the town’s Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at St. Clare’s Church on the 9th November. It was heart-warming to see so many people representing the townspeople including a strong attendance from our younger generations.
The Town Band led the huge parade from Greenwell Road to the War Memorial where the two minute silence was respectfully observed. The Rev. Chris Pearson introduced the short outdoor Service of Remembrance with the Burma Star Representative reciting the Kohima Epitaph and Eddie Graham from the British Legion with the poignant verse from the poem “For the Fallen” by Robert Laurence Binyon.
The Last Post and Reveille was followed by wreaths laid by our civic leaders, uniformed and other organisations. This was a sombre part of the ceremony lightened somewhat by the participation of our young uniformed groups.
The Town Band played for the hymns during the Service in Church adding splendour and dignity to the occasion. In his address Rev. Chris referred to the commemoration of the start of the first world war – an important milestone in the history of conflicts throughout the ages. He thought this particular milestone had a stronger remembrance and was affecting the whole nation.
He talked about the poppy as a wonderful emblem and the fact the first world war did not “end all wars” as was hoped. Our Rector thanked all those who by strong commitment keep the “Remembrance” alive with special thanks to the armed forces and to those people who were prepared to stand up and be counted in the quest for peace.
A collection was taken in aid of the Poppy Appeal and after the Service the parade reassembled for the March Past where the salute was taken by Commander Ed McNaught RD., RNR.
Visit our video pages to view a short video of Remembrance Day at St. Clare’s Church
