Castle’s Field of Remembrance a fitting tribute to the war dead
IT WAS an occasion tinged with sadness and designed to provide a time for reflection. The opening of the Field of Remembrance in Cardiff Castle was bathed in autumn sunshine, adding extra colour to the military colours on display.
A poignant Last Post was sounded and the two-minute silence was respectfully observed.
Welsh Government Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt was among the VIPs, politicians, military officers and civic dignitaries in attendance.
After the official opening ceremony, she said: “It’s such a privilege to be here at this service, which is about the Field of Remembrance, which everyone can come and view as we lead up to Remembrance Day.
“Also, it’s a chance for us to come together and to remember those who served and lost their lives for us.
“It’s particularly important because it’s the 100th anniversary this year of the Royal British Legion.
“So, it’s important to be here, with us all together, to remember and to give thanks.”
After the ceremony, RAF Air Commodore Adrian Williams, Chief Air Officer Wales, tweeted: “A privilege today to be with the RBL (Royal British Legion) during the opening of the Wales Field of Remembrance in Cardiff. A poignant and moving ceremony. As always, very well attended and supported by members of the Welsh public.”
The Royal British Legion’s Field of Remembrance pays tribute to all those who have lost their lives in conflict from the First World War to the present day, with a special recognition of those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It is one of six Royal British Legion (RBL) Fields of Remembrance in the UK .
More than 7,500 crosses and commemorative markers have been planted in Cardiff Castle, each carrying a personal message to someone who lost their life during service for their country.
The field will be open to members of the public to visit and pay their respects until November 18.
Nationwide, approximately 55,600 tributes will be planted across the six Royal British Legion Fields of
Remembrance, taking the form of a Little Remembrance Cross, Muslim Crescent, Star of David, Sikh Khanda, Hindu Om or Secular Tribute.
Among those attending yesterday’s ceremony in Cardiff were Morfudd Meredith, Lord Lieutanant South Glamorgan; Air Commodore Williams, Chief Air Officer Wales; Hon RN Capt Raj Aggarwal OBE DL, Commanding Officer of HMS Cambria; Simon Hart, Secretary of State Wales; Cllr Rod McKerlich, Lord Mayor Cardiff council; Paul Harris, RBL Membership Council London; Ken Terry, Wales MC Representative; and Padre Stephen Lodwick.
The Field of Remembrance in Cardiff Castle continues a tradition that began in 1928 when poppies were planted around an original wooden cross taken from the battlefield grave of an unknown British soldier.
The Royal British Legion is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting the needs of the armed forces community, past and present and their families.
The RBL is the champion of remembrance and safeguards the Armed Forces Covenant. It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.
Since it was first worn as an act of remembrance just over 100 years ago, the poppy has become an enduring symbol of support for the armed forces, past and present. It continues to unite people across all backgrounds, communities and generations.
To find out more about the work of the Royal British Legion, see the website rbl.org.uk