How proud and patriotic Nuneaton commemorated Armistice Day

[dutchman]

Riversley Park was a sight to behold as crowds stood four and five deep



Nuneaton’s proud and patriotic Remembrance tradition saw huge crowds turn out to pay their respects during a momentous moment in British military history.

Riversley Park was a sight to behold as crowds stood four and five deep to ensure they were there on the day that the nation marked the Remembrance Sunday which fell on the centenary year of the end of the Great War.

Not only they were there huge crowds watching the service, there were more than ever actually taking part in it.

Parade marshal and Former Royal Warwicks’ Warrant Officer Murray Richards said: “It was wonderful to see so many people, there was definitely more than last year and we had huge numbers last year.

“We had even more take part in the parade as well, we had double the contingency from Bramcote which made the parade something else this year.”

In fact, there were soldiers from literally the other side of the world join in the ceremony.

The Royal Australian Army’s Signals rugby team proudly stood shoulder to shoulder near to proud veterans during the service in the town’s park.

Lieutenant Colonel Hannah Stoy explained that the team were in the borough as part of a tour across the country.

“They were delighted to be able to take part in the service,” Lt Col Stoy from the Nuneaton-based barracks said.

“It was brilliant to see so many of the armed forces taking part, but also the amount of people who had turned out.

"It shows not only the significance of the year, but how important it is to look back and remember the fallen and also look forward to the future."

It was noted prior to the start of the service just how many youngsters had gathered, both through the cubs, scouts, brownies and various cadet organisations in the parade, as well as poppy wearing-children stood watching the service with their relatives.

Glimpses of sun shone through the gun metal grey skies, allowing the medals proudly worn by veterans to glisten momentarily.

"Then, as leaves danced down from trees in the brisk wind, Standards were lowered to mark the two minutes silence and brilliant sun shone onto Riversley Park.

"It was almost as if the heavens knew."

Wreaths were laid by faces from across the community and then, to coincide with similar events from across the country, Nuneaton's champion town crier, Paul Gough, led a poignant 'cry for peace' to mark the beginning of the end of the centenary celebrations.

Moments of remembrance were followed by appreciation as the crowds in Riversley Park lined Coton Road right up to the Town Hall to applaud those taking part in the parade as it marched back into the town centre.

Those there on the day will never forget, not today, tomorrow nor for years to come.