Veterans, serving military personnel, civic dignitaries and members of the public gathered in a cold and misty Newport this morning (Sunday) to honour the fallen.
The Isle of Wight’s county Remembrance Sunday service took place in St Thomas’ Square, where damp November weather added to the sombre atmosphere as Islanders gathered around the war memorial to remember those who had lost their lives in conflict.
The ceremony began at 10:45, bringing together generations of Islanders to pay tribute to those who had served their country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Among the veterans present was Ron Bostwick, who survived British nuclear weapons testing on Christmas Island in the Pacific during the 1950s.
The Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon, attended as His Majesty the King’s representative, alongside members of the Island’s civic and military communities. The Reverend Chris Bradish delivered the sermon as part of the service.
As 11:00 approached, the Last Post sounded across the misty square before those assembled fell silent for 2 minutes in remembrance of the men and women who had given their lives in the service of their country.
The ceremony also included the traditional Exhortation, with its familiar words, “We will remember them”, and the Kohima Epitaph, honouring those who gave their lives so that others might live.
Wreaths were laid at the foot of the war memorial by representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans’ organisations and the Island’s civic community, accompanied by Nimrod.
The Newport service was one of a number of Remembrance Sunday commemorations held across the Isle of Wight, with communities gathering at churches and war memorials to honour those who died in the 2 World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
Councillor Ian Dore delivered the closing address before the commemorations continued with a military parade through Newport, where the Lord-Lieutenant took the salute on behalf of His Majesty the King.
