When I was a kid I don’t recall Remembrance Day being such a big event. I don’t know if that’s true or not, maybe it was because there were so many more people with World War veterans alive and in their families that there wasn’t such a need for a lot of public events.
I’m pleased things have evolved and become true community moments. The thing I like most is how all generations of people, including youngsters, have their place and are able to participate together.
I started my day at Easthill Park in Portslade – it is always an incredible community event. So many youngsters, cadets, scouts and guides, all immaculately dressed. A veteran told me that it means so much to him that young people take so much effort. There were some issues with the amplification…Cllr Peter Atkinson and I have already talked about how we can work together to solve that for next year. So many hundreds of people attend the event now I think we need stadium sound!
All of the services this year seemed so personal. Music and choirs were used in new ways, poems and readings were so moving. I was really so proud to be a part of so many special moments throughout the day.
The last service for me was this evening at St Leonard’s Church, Aldrington. Wow! The service opened with bagpipes being played beautifully followed by a really moving services. But then everyone was given a candle and the bells were played as part of the national ‘Ringing For Peace’ event. We stood outside with our candles listening to the bells ringing out over our community, it really was so moving.
I really hope you got to take part in events today and you found them as moving as I did. All the best, Peter
