Over 50 Veterans attended Rockwell Green’s remembrance service.
The service started at Rockwell Green Cemetery where Veterans marched up to the podium and stood solemnly while respects were paid and wreaths were laid.
The weather was bright and unusually warm for November and church bells rang out during the service giving a emotional reminder to those who were paying their respects.
A speech was given by Julian Harcombe, master of ceremonies for Wellington Veterans, where he welcomed the veterans, Local people and those from further afield. He said: “We are here to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s nice to see new faces, the old and the bold.”
The Veterans, dressed smart with medals adorned, marched from the podium to the grave of Clifford Alway, A Wiltshire Regiment Bandsman, who died aged 15 shortly after World War One. Family members related to Mr. Alway were also in attendance.
A poem called The Poppy by Paul Hunter was read to the crowd. ‘I am not a badge of honour, I am not a racist smear, I am not a fashion statement, to be worn but once a year, I am not glorification, of conflict or of war, I am not a paper ornament, a token, I am more. I am a loving memory, of a father or a son, A permanent reminder of each and every-one. I’m paper or enamel, I’m old or shining new, I’m a way of saying thank you to each and every one of you. I am a simple poppy, a reminder to you all, that courage, faith and honour will stand where heroes fall.’
A list was read out remembering the fallen who are buried in the cemetery and shortly after tributes were paid to Paul Smith, a Sapper in the Royal Engineers who sadly passed away this year and was regularly involved with the Wellington Veterans.
Respects were paid to our late HRM, Queen Elizabeth II and a toast was given to HRM King Charles III. Julian said : “Many of you had pledged allegiance to the queen as a dedicated and unwavering head of her majesties armed forces for 70 years. May they all rest in peace.”
The procession then moved onto Rockwell Green Memorial Club where a buffet was held and all were welcomed.
