Thousands turn out to mark Armistice centenary:
HUNDREDS of people gathered in Burton yesterday for the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade and service to honour those who died while fighting for their country.
It was a particularly poignant occasion as yesterday also marked the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.
The Burton parade assembled at the town hall in King Edward Place with the Melton Mowbray Toy Soldiers band leading the march.
Representatives from the Army, Royal Navy, police, Scouts, St John Ambulance and other orgnanisations, plus East Staffordshire dignitaries including the mayor, Councillor Chris Smith, all stood proud as they took part in the parade.
They marched to St Modwen’s Church, in the Market Place, for a service before heading to the war memorial in the Memorial Gardens for the twominute silence.
The service was led by the Rev Stanley Monkhouse, who spoke of the reason the town had come together: to remember those who have fought for their country.
During the service, readings were given by the mayor and Richard Grosvenor, leader of East Staffordshire Borough Council.
The Liquid Brass band then performed at the war memorial, with Elgar’s Nimrod playing during the laying of wreaths by Burton councillors, MP Andrew Griffiths, the mayor, charities and organisations, including the Scouts and Army cadets.
After the laying of the wreaths and prayers, Liquid Brass played the Last Post and Sunset. Once the service was over, the parade reformed and marched past the saluting dais in High Street, near to the entrance to Coopers Square shopping centre, where Lieutenant Colonel Gary Sellers and Sir Trevor Soar, former commander-in-chief fleet of the Royal Navy, took the salute.
Anne Compton, secretary of the Burton-on-Trent branch of the Royal British Legion, which organised the event, said: “We had a good turnout and the weather has kept well for us as well.”
The parade then headed back to the town hall for the presentation of awards to cadets and a raffle and buffet in aid of the Poppy Appeal. Councillor Smith said: “We had an absolutely marvellous turnout and the weather was kind to us as well, which is paramount.” Councillor Grosvenor said: “It was a really good service and the turnout is fantastic. It is really good to see so many young people here today. We have seen more people here today than usual.”
County councillor Conor Wileman said he was delighted so many had paid their respects.