This morning people from all walks of life paused to remember the brave soldiers who have fought and continue to fight in conflicts around the world.
Havering’s largest Remembrance Sunday service took place in Romford where veterans, dignitaries, cadets and serving members of the armed forces joined a parade from Western Road to the Coronation Gardens.
The parade, which more than 300 members of the scouting and guiding movements took part in, concluded with two minutes silence at the town’s war memorial followed by the laying of wreaths.
Serving members of the Royal Navy Billy and Charlie Gibson, both of Romford, were in attendance.
Speaking after the service Billy, 27, said: “We are here to remember what they did for us. To remember the fallen - up to the people that we served with, people we know who are missing. To think of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who still live with injuries.”
The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Trew, laid a wreath during a poignant service at the memorial.
She said: “I’m so impressed with the amount of people that came today. It just goes to show how important this is and how everybody has it in the forefront of their minds with it being the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and Afghanistan being very current,
“I am particularly honoured to do this in the centenary year.”
MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, said: “It’s a dignified commemoration remembering all those who died serving our country over the centuries. In particular this year we are mindful of the First World War. This is my 25th occasion as an elected representative in Romford and I was thrilled to see that today was really packed with people - there was hardly any space.”
Meanwhile, in Elm Park the procession from the Royal British Legion, in Maylands Avenue, to St Nicoholas Church, in Woodcote Avenue, was focused on the youth as well as veterans.
The Haverettes All Girls Marching Band lead the way following the two-minute silence with cub scouts, girl guides, brownies, students from RJ Mitchell Primary, and under 10s football teams close behind.
Second World War veteran Edward Archer, 90, of Elm Park, said: “I love to see the younger generation continuing the remembrance.
“We must remember the wars so children can continue a quest for peace.”
Revd Amanda Keighley gave a moving service where she not only paid tribute to fallen soldiers but noted the drastic social change that began in the First World War where women took on what were previously seen as male roles.
Royal British Legion member Cllr Stephanie Nunn paid tribute to the “lovely community event”.
She said: “There is no greater sacrifice than giving your life for your country - we must remember the dead.”
Other services took place in Upminster, Hornchurch, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, and Rainham.
See the Recorder out Friday for our full coverage.
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