In early November we wear a red poppy in memory of those who lost their lives during wars, and this Sunday morning there was an act of remembrance around the country – joined by many people in Abingdon on Thames, who gathered round the war memorial, and along roads converging on the war memorial.
After a prayer and the hymn “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, Abingdon Town Band sounded the last post; then flags were lowered, and at 11am people stood in silence, for two minutes, to remember the fallen.
Wreathes were laid in front of the war memorial by many organisation, and a member of the British Legion said the Kohima Prayer:
“When you go home tell them of us and say
for your tomorrow we gave our today”
Afterwards people gathered to look at the wreathes, and put small wooden crosses with inscriptions, and poppies in the turf around the memorial.
After the ceremony, soldiers from Dalton Barracks, and uniformed organisations marched along the High Street between the crowds,
and their salute was taken by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Cll Helen Pighills; the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, representing the Queen; and a Commanding Officer from Dalton Barracks.
Superb attendance, well done Abingdon.
It is a shame that this years event provided an extremely poor public address system – or the microphones didn’t work.
The PA system at the remembrance service has been bad for years and years – I seem to recall similar comments on this very blog over a number of years.
It used to be especially bad for those sections of the crowd out on Ock Street. I do not know if that is still the case.
Hi is there any more pictures I was on the guard of honour with weapon on a corner did see a photographer taking a lot of pics would be great see if there was some good ones
I was interested to see the Kohima prayer being spoken.
The Kohima Educational Trust was founded just down the road in Marlow by a veteran of that battle who passed away this year. An amazing man; a great cause.
http://www.kohimaeducationaltrust.net/
Hi Todd, That was probably the Oxford Mail, so check the Herald, and Oxford Times.