ALMOST 3,000 people turned out for Bromsgrove’s annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service earlier today.
The parade journeyed from the top of the High Street, past the Oddfellows Memorial and to the monument in Crown Close.
After an introduction by Rev Ray Khan, there was The Exhortation, two-minute silence, The Kohima Epitath and almost 4o wreaths were laid from various organisations. Among them were armed forces veterans, politicians representing different parties and community groups, including Scouts, Guides and Brownies, the Boys and Girls Brigade, Bromsgrove Lions, Rotary Clubs, the Court Leet and local businesses.
For the first time this year, Frances Mitchell, nine, who attends St John’s Middle School, laid a wreath on behalf of children whose parents are serving in the Armed Forces.
Commander James Mitchell (Royal Navy) with daughter Frances, nine. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Her dad, Royal Navy Commander James Mitchell, was proudly by her side.
Afterwards he said: “It’s good to come together and to remember the children of those serving who are also affected.
“Sometimes they are also among the ones left behind when servicemen and women make the ultimate sacrifice.”
Frances added: “I was happy to do this – I know other children whose parents are in the armed services so I wanted to represent all of us.”
Picture by Harry Monahan. s
In his sermon, Rev Khan spoke about the important of giving service, rather than taking.
Some of the Bromsgrove veterans at the service on Sunday. s
“In the armed services, we speak of CDRILS—Courage, Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Loyalty, and Selfless Commitment. In schools, we teach British Values.
Picture by Harry Monahan. s
“But there is a value even deeper than these codes; one that turns strangers into family and comrades. Strangers who become brothers and sisters.
Picture by Harry Monahan. s
“The greater love that Jesus speaks of is about more than just a single act of sacrifice; it’s about embracing and serving others so completely that they become friends.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
“The question we face in our own lives is: are we Taking back or Giving?
“Today, we remember those who gave. They gave their everything.
“We will remember them.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
The service also featured the hymns ‘I vow to thee, my country’ and ‘Make me a Channel of Your Peace’.
Picture by Harry Monahan. s
And it concluded with the National Anthem before the parade was dismissed.
The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Fiona Charny, also attended.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
She said: “It really was a lovely parade and service and the turn-out was very impressive.
“I have been to the Bromsgrove Remembrance Sunday Parade before and it is always wonderful.”
Picture by Harry Monahan. s
Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas said: “It’s heartening to see so many people come out – not just to show how much they value and respect the armed forces but also those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
