Thousands turn out for Nuneaton's Remembrance Sunday service

[dutchman]

The turnout was incredible



Stunned Nuneaton Remembrance Sunday parade and service organisers were delighted with the 5,000 strong crowd who turned out to honour the fallen.

The town's proud tradition of supporting the armed forces continued as people of all ages packed into Riversley Park for the annual service.

Murray Richards, parade marshal, said: "We always get such a good turn out, every year without fail. This year there seemed to be a lot more kids, in the parade and in the crowds, which is just great to see.

"Every year we seem to get more and more."

With medals glistening in the autumnal sunshine, proud ex-servicemen took their place in the parade alongside youngsters from the Brownies, Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Cadets.

Together they made the proud pilgrimage the short distance from the Town Hall to the war memorial in the park for the emotional service.

While the years may separate them, they shared one thing in common - their desire not to forget all those who lost their lives in the name of freedom.

The Reverend Frank Seldon led the service but it was Laurie Payne, the president of the Nuneaton and Stockingford branch of the Royal British Legion, who delivered the most important and poignant part - The Exhortation as the crowds fell silent.

The ex-serviceman, who served as a rifle platoon sergeant with the Royal Fusiliers during the Korean War in 1950, then read The Kohima Epitaph: "When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today."

Lieutenant Colonel Hannah Stoy from Gamecock Barracks gave a reading followed by the laying of the wreaths - 22 were tenderly laid at the foot of the memorial.

Following the service, the crowds took to the streets to cheer and applaud the parade as it made its way back to the Town Hall.

"It is a day that the town never forgets," concluded former Royal Warwicks’ Warrant Officer Mr Richards.