IN A POIGNANT act of Remembrance, the people and organisations of Droitwich have gathered in Victoria Square today (Sunday, November 10) to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The somewhat overcast and occasionally sun kissed town centre was awash with poppies as members of our armed forces headed a marching parade along Ombersley Street towards the World War I memorial.
When the parade arrived in the square – accompanied by young members of the Fire Cadets, Beavers, Scouts and Guides – Droitwich Salvation Army Band provided sombre musical backing.
Reverend Laura Handy, from The Saltway Team Ministry led the Remembrance service which encouraged an act of quiet remembrance among hymns, prayers, and bible readings.
The Last Post was performed ahead of a moving two minutes silence.
Reverend Laura Handy told the Standard: “Right from our youngest years we make choices, good and bad, and learn about the impacts of those choices.
“Those we’re remembering today are those who made those choices in sacrifice for us and others… those whose choices allow us to be here today.”
During the wreath laying, dignitaries and organisations paid their respects before adorning the war memorial with swathes of poppies.
Among those to lay a wreath were Droitwich’s mayor, councillor Alex Sinton, Droitwich Spa Town councillor and chairman of Wychavon District Council, George Duffy and dozens of local organisations.
Mayor, Coun Sinton said: “Our Remembrance Day shows our wonderful town at its very best.
“I can’t thank enough, the RBL (Royal British Legion), and all of the organisations who take part. It was absolutely fantastic and makes all of us as town councillors very proud.”
Unlike the previous years’ service, those who gathered today were able to see the entirety of the Act of Remembrance which has previously been concluded in St Andrews Church.
The church remained open, offering a place to gather for private memorial and reflection. The Church was decorated with poppies for the occasion.
As crowds dispersed following the service, veteran Eric Davis, aged 99, who served in Burma during WWII spoke of the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers and the bravery of locals, who joined village militia’s to fight the Japanese alongside British troops.
Another veteran, 82-year-old Vince Williams, who served in Borneo as an RAF helicopter crewman responsible for transporting British Marines and Gherka’s into and out of the jungle battlefields, said for him today is about honouring those who he served among.
He told the Standard: “Today is about remembering everyone who served, but particularly for those who I served with, who are not remembered as much as they should be.”
Following the service, local dignitaries and veterans gathered together in Droitwich’s Working Men’s Club to share stories and a bite to eat.
Coun Duffy, who attended the service alongside his dog, Pepper, as a representation of animals who served in conflict, told the Standard: “To see people showing pride in our area and respect for our armed forces, young and old, is special.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the turn out Droitwich sees every year and it’s something I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of.”
Tomorrow (Monday, November 11), the Droitwich Royal British Legion (RBL) will mark Armistice Day with a second service, again at the War Memorial in Victoria Square.
