Weekend for heroes
THROUGH TEARS OF JOY IN TRIUMPH, AND SADNESS IN POIGNANT REFLECTION, WALES SALUTES ON A...
THIS was the moment Wales rugby stars, and their fans, paid an impeccable tribute to those who fought and died during the First World War.
Not a whisper could be heard during the two-minute silence before the match against Australia, which was observed by every single one of the 70,000 fans who watched the match inside the Principality Stadium. Captain Alun Wyn Jones and his Australian counterpart Michael Hooper, led the teams out with poppy wreaths as the national side joined in commemorative events across the country to mark 100 years since the guns of war fell silent in 1918.
It was one of a series of tributes paid by Welsh rugby, on a day in which they proved victorious over opposition they haven’t beaten for 10 years, which included Tommy silhouettes “guarding” the players’ tunnel for the clash against the Wallabies.
There were a further 13 smaller Perspex versions, featuring the names of the 13 Wales internationals who lost their lives during the conflict.
The marks of remembrance came ahead of yesterday’s Armistice Sunday, which saw countless memorials across the UK and abroad, to honour the lives of those who paid the ultimate price.
CROWDS stood shoulder to shoulder across Wales as they paid their respects to those fallen in war
In Cardiff, veterans, youngsters and people from all walks of life converged on Cathays Park at the Welsh National War Memorial yesterday to pause and remember the sacrifice made in World War One..
It was a moving tribute to those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
David Llewellyn, 72 from Rumney, Cardiff and Roy Boobyer, 82, also from Cardiff, were glad to see young and old standing alongside each other in respect of the fallen.
Mr Llewellyn, who served in the Army Reserve for eight years, said: “We’ve done this every year and it’s a good time for the old fellas and the youngsters to get to really know what the war was actually like, what they did for us.”
Meanwhile, Mr Boobyer, who served in the RAF between 195458, added: “It’s just to recognise the people who served.”
Chris Howell, 50, who was also at the Cardiff service, said: “I served 26 years in the Royal Air Force Police as a dog handler. I’ve done Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia and it’s important to show respect for the freedom we have in this country and our fallen friends.”
Keith Pritchard, 59, said following decades of service with the Reserves, he wanted to show his thoughts were with the war dead, and added: “I’ve served just short of 39 years in the Royal Air Force Medical Corps Reserves and I’m here to show my respect for all the people that passed away during service.” The National Service of Remembrance for Wales at Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff was followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at Llandaff Cathedral yesterday afternoon.
First Minister Carwyn Jones and Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns were joined by Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex at the Llandaff service, along with other invited guests.
Mr Jones, who was also at the service in Cathays Park yesterday, said: “(It) gives us an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices service men and women have made to ensure our freedom today,”
Archbishop of Wales John Davies said: “Tragically, the gift of peace with which the world was presented 100 years ago has regularly been squandered in many subsequent years.
“But if this leads us to simply view prayers and messages of peace as expressions of admirable sentiments, but unattainable ideals, we risk emptying today of real
meaning.”
In Swansea, a huge crowd of people surrounded the cenotaph.
Children, dog walkers, mothers, firemen, veterans, university students, pensioners and cadets all remained as the heavens opened.
They were determined to be there in spite of the rain, many wearing their poppies with pride, others wearing several poppies on their coats as a mark of respect.
As they clutched a sea of colourful umbrellas, they listened to the evocative words of war poet Wilfred Owen, who died 100 years ago in Sambre–Oise Canal, France, as they were read out during the service by Reverend Lionel Hopkins.
He prayed for “all those who died and suffered for freedom, and still suffer.”
As the Last Post was sounded some were wrenched with emotion and moved to tears as all that could be heard when the silence fell were the lapping of the waves and the sounds of the birds at the site just off Mumbles Road. The significance of the service this year could not be lost.
Reverend Hopkins also read For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon, with some in the crowd reiterating the sentiment and saying out loud, “We will remember them.”
Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Byron Lewis also gave prayers during the service yesterday, and said: “World War One changed the history of the world.
“A million British and Commonwealth soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice.”
He also thanked those who contributed towards the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in Swansea, which offers support to both veterans and their families. A march past and service were also held in Swansea.
Jessica Smith, 19, a student at Swansea University, said: “I have grown up in Guiding and Scouting and have been involved in Remembrance parades from five up – it would not feel right not coming today. It’s nice to see so many here paying their respects.”
Lance Corporal Beth Grey, 30, who serves with Royal Logistic Corps, decided to head back to her home city of Swansea to mark Remembrance.
She said she was proud to see so many people there and added: “It’s great, it’s the centenary, it’s really nice.”
Beth and her parents Mark and Lynne Grey, both 60, were there to lay a cross in memory of her great great uncle and Lance Corporal David Griffiths, who died in the Battle of the Somme, while serving for the Welsh Fusiliers.