By Mal Butler
‘We Will Remember Them’, the poignant words from Laurence Binyon’s ‘For The Fallen’ poem, were read out across the Island on Sunday, as thousands of people stood in silence, united in honouring those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Towns and villages came to a standstill with veterans standing shoulder to shoulder with reservists, emergency services, youth groups, cadets, and families, creating a powerful atmosphere which reflected the true meaning of remembrance.
In Newport, hundreds gathered in St Thomas’ Square for the County Remembrance Service and Parade, an event organised by the IW Council’s Civic Office in partnership with the Royal British Legion and local churches.
The service opened with prayers led by Rev Chris Bradish, followed by the traditional Act of Remembrance. Cadet Otis Ripley read the Exhortation, Otis’s father, LCpl Mike Ripley (reservist), delivered The Kohima Epitaph, adding a poignant family connection to the proceedings.
The Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band provided a stirring backdrop as wreaths were laid, with Elgar’s Nimrod echoing through the square. Following the service,
Parade Marshal Simon Tutton formed up the procession, led out by the Royal British Legion Riders.
A formal salute was given to Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, at the war memorial as the parade returned to St Thomas’ Square.
Cllr Ian Dore, the IW Armed Forces Champion, said: “The event was absolutely stunning. Respectful, dignified, atmospheric, emotionally charged and warm. I can’t put my finger on it but it felt 100 per cent from start to finish.”
There were huge services in all the Island towns, with the main West Wight parade this year taking place outside All Saints’ Church, Freshwater.
The event marked the end of Andre Usborne’s 11 years’ service, organising the parade and wreaths, with his wife, Ronni.
He said: “It has been an honour to help bring our community together each November, and a source of great pride to see the event grow, supported by so many organisations and individuals across West Wight.
“We’re are ready to hand over to someone who can carry this important community tradition forward. We would be grateful if you could share this invitation within your organisations and consider whether you, or someone you know, might be interested.” They can be contacted on: andreusborne@gmail.com.
The services continued on Wednesday, the anniversary of the day in 1918, when the Armistice was signed between German and the Allied Powers to end fighting in WWI.
In Newport, crowds gathered at the Simeon Monument, while in Cowes a Lamplight of Peace service at the Northwood Park War Memorial. Cadets from Cowes Enterprise College, accompanied by Major Crane, and to the pupils of Lanesend Primary School, took part in the service and laid a wreath in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In Havenstreet, the service was led by Rev Nathan Hamilton with the attendees remembering the 20 men lost from the village in the Great War and three during World War II.
Isle of Wight Observer