A CROWD approaching 500 strong gathered at Redditch’s war memorial to pay their respects and give thanks this Remembrance Sunday to the sacrifices of Britain’s armed forces.
By 10.30am Alcester Street was jammed with people as the parade, led by Warrant Officer Saheed Khan, made its way up to the war memorial by St Stephen’s.
As they marched Redditch MP Rachel Maclean, Beatrice Grant the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and Borough Mayor Councillor Gareth Prosser stood in tribute as the column made its way to Church Green.
The service was led by Revd Paul Paul Lawlor, the vicar of St Stephen’s, assisted by Curate Francis Moloney.
The Revd Lawlor’s lesson centred on remembrance, and with it the passing of time.
As the crowd hushed he asked people to pause and remember, perhaps a named individual, someone unknown, or maybe something or someone learned from history.
“Is it someone you can put a name to, put a face to?” he asked.
“Or is it an experience we have been taught about?
“There are times when violence seems to run everywhere and we have to respond to that violence.
“But God’s heart is that we should not be people of violence but people of peace and many of the people around us today have fought to bring about that peace.
“It is my prayer that we can keep on fighting, but not with our arms, but with our hearts and minds, that we can work towards a world of God’s peace.”
The two minutes silence was impeccably observed and after the laying of wreaths everyone spoke of how well Redditch had once again paid tribute to our armed forces and all uniformed services.
MP Rachel Maclean said: “It’s two years since we have been able to get together like this for Remembrance Sunday.
“Today has been such a moving occasion and superbly organised.
“The response from the community has been phenomenal too. A tribute to the people of Redditch.”
Deputy Lord lieutenant Grant said: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be here.
“What a turn out! This just shows what a strong community Redditch is.”
Borough Council Leader Matt Dormer added: “A superbly organised service and an amazing crowd of people. Congratulations to Jeff Farnes chairman of the Royal British Legion for all his work.”
Raf Hussain from Redditch’s Muslim community, who’s father and grandfather served in Britain’s armed forces, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people here after the impact of Covid last year.
“It’s an honour for me to be able to represent the Muslim community on such an auspicious occasion.
“May we all look to peace and work together for freedom.”
Representing the Polish community was Danuta Zdanko who, with British soldiers already joining their Polish colleagues on its border with Belarus, highlighted the dangers the world still faces.
Tensions are rising as refugees escaping conflict in the Middle East are finding themselves being used as pawns along Poland’s eastern border.
She said: “Today’s service was very moving, and important too.
“Reflecting on what is happening now in the world, we have the border situation with Belarus and the Russian army on manoeuvres in the Ukraine.
“The peace we have can at times look very fragile.”
Jeff Farnes, chair of Redditch RBL said: “I’d like to thank the people of Redditch.
“We have their tremendous support during our poppy appeal.
“And we have the community coming out today. We thank them all.”
