THE diverse communities of Redditch came together as never before to mark Remembrance Sunday as more than 1,000 people, young and old, lined the streets of the town to pay their respects.
In brilliant sunshine the names carved on the war memorial sparkled as wreaths were laid not only by all the town’s dignitaries, major associations and organisations, including the armed forces, but also by members of Redditch’s Muslim community, the Sikh community, the Kerala Cultural Association of Redditch and the Polish community, who’s independence day this was.
“It’s another fantastic turnout by the people of Redditch,” said town MP Karen Lumley, who, recently out of hospital following an operation, had to be helped by vicar Paul Lawley to lay her wreath.
“The diversity of the people here laying wreaths must make this ceremony in our town one of the most diverse in the region, all coming together to remember those who gave their lives for our country. It’s also marvellous to see so many young people here too.”
Borough Mayor Councillor Joe Baker, in paying tribute to the fallen, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people here today, our proud veterans and also members of all the town’s different communities all gathered to pay their respects to those who gave their lives for this country.”
The theme of the Rev Lawlor’s address was to remind those gathered that, on the 100th anniversary of battles like Jutland and the Somme, it was important to remember these were more than just words and to ‘remember what we are remembering’ .
He reminded people that 624,000 Allied soldiers alone had been killed or wounded on the Somme.
“At remembrance when I was young there would have been just a few of us and a few veterans, but today there are lots of people – what has changed?” he asked.
“We are honouring these men and women because we see the effects of that service up close and personal at events like the Paralympics.
“God wants us to have a future where service and the taking up of arms is not needed anymore. Let us not just throw our words away again.”
Earlier the march past had started from behind the Palace Theatre as, led by an excellent cadet marching band, members of the armed forces, young firefighters, cadets, scouts, cubs and guides had marched up Alcester Street to the Town Hall where they were joined by civic leaders, including Mrs Lumley, the leader of Redditch borough council, Councillor Bill Hartnett, Mayor Joe Baker and other leading councillors.
The group of marchers made their way up to the war memorial to for the Act of Remembrance and two minutes silence as the clock on St Stephen’s struck 11.
