HUNDREDS of people braved the rain for the annual Redditch Remembrance Sunday parade and service in another record-breaking year for attendances.
By 10.30am Alcester Street was jammed with people as the parade made its way up to the war memorial by St Stephen’s.
As they marched Redditch MP Rachel Maclean, Borough Mayor Coun Salman Akbar, leader of the council, Coun Matt Dormer and leader of the borough’s Labour group Coun Joe Baker stood in tribute as the column made its way to Church Green.
The service was led by Revd Sarah-Jayne Hewitt, her first Remembrance Service at St Stephen’s.
She said: “Each year we gather to remember, for some we remember lived experiences.
“As the years pass, we remember more of those we loved, and those suffering in conflicts, past or indeed present.
“The red of the poppy’s we wear reminds us of blood shed, bloodshed so that we can live here with the freedoms we have.”
Also present at the service were members of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Cadets, Scouts, Girl Guides, Cubs and Beavers, and veterans.
The final act of remembrance was the laying of wreaths at the foot of the monument, and this year there were more than ever.
Leader of the council, Coun Matt Dormer said: “I had the honour and privilege to lay a wreath at today’s armistice day parade in Redditch town centre.
“A fantastic turnout and an amazing parade. Thank you to all who attended and to those who took part, you all made this a very memorable day.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.
