BOURNEMOUTH fell silent this morning as thousands across the town and conurbation paid their respects to the men and women who made sacrifices for our country.
Marking the first Remembrance Sunday since the passing of the Queen, thousands of residents from all walks of life gathered at the Bournemouth War Memorial in Central Gardens.
Bournemouth, along with the nation, fell silent at 11am as we all remembered and honoured those lost to war.
The time of commencement and termination of the silence was indicated by the firing of guns.
The service, which had speeches from Reverend Dr Ian Terry and the Mayor of Bournemouth Bob Lawton, was attended by Bournemouth MPs Tobias Ellwood and Conor Burns, PCC David Sidwick, Bournemouth’s councillors and, of course, our respected veterans.
Read more: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole mark Remembrance Sunday
Read more: Poole charity shop commemorates Commonwealth troops
Wreaths were placed at the cenotaph at the end of the ceremony by guests.
Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, said the service was “lovely”, adding: “It is always very poignant to see a diminished number of veterans of the Second World War.
“It was also particularly poignant this year being the first Remembrance Day without the nation being led in remembrance by Her Majesty The Queen.”
Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, said: “The phenomenal public turn out at Bournemouth’s war memorial today is testament to the incredible bond our nation has with those who have served and those in uniform today who keep our country safe.
“The war Ukraine reminds us that democracy requires defending and that it’s our valiant armed forces who we turn to when our way of life is threatened.
“This is why we give thanks to those who stepped forward in the past who gave their today and we say those words’ we will remember them.”
The Mayor of Bournemouth, Bob Lawton, said the ceremony was “very moving, lovely, very reverential and very respectful.”
Council deputy leader Phil Broadhead added: “The weather reflected the mood which was a bright and sunny and cheery to celebrate all the amazing work done by those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the service was “excellent”, adding: “This is really important; it’s about tradition, about remembrance.
“It’s about making certain that we never forget the sacrifices those people made.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel