The tune of It's a Long Way to Tipperary echoed through Sawbridgeworth's streets on Sunday as the town's air cadets band led uniformed groups and members of the emergency services on the Remembrance Sunday parade.
And among those weaving their way to Great St Mary's churchyard for the annual commemorative service were two Brownies from Sawbridgeworth and High Wych District Guiding Group - Mira Kirilenko and Mariia Suschenko - who proudly carried the flag of Ukraine - their home country.
The band of 309 Squadron (Sawbridgeworth) Air Cadets were fresh from leading the Remembrance parade in Bishop's Stortford in the morning and were proud to be at the fore of their hometown event in the afternoon.
The band from Sawbridgeworth air cadets squadron led the Remembrance Day parade. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60613996)
Town clerk Chris Hunt said that due to the increased numbers marching to the churchyard with groups including Beavers, Rainbows, Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides, the end of the parade was still halfway along Bell Street as the band reached the church in Church Street.
Wreaths were laid by Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson, who has a home in the town, and Cllr Ian Devonshire, chairman of East Herts Council.
Mr Hunt said Tim Bray, from 1st Sawbridgeworth Scout Group, played the Last Post to start the two minutes' silence, making the event poignant for attendees, who included ex-service personnel.
Ukrainian Brownies Mariia Suschenko, holding the Ukrainian flag, and Mira Kirilenko, left of her. (60628295)
Flt Lt Alex Fuller read the words of Remembrance and Fr Simon Vivian held a full service with poems and prayers read by town mayor Cllr Greg Rattey and deputy mayor Cllr Ruth Buckmaster.
Rev Gary Hanson, minister of Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church, was part of the service touching on both world wars and the current conflict in Ukraine.
The band from Sawbridgeworth air cadets squadron led the Remembrance Day parade. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60613997)Members of the uniformed services and veterans joined the Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614001)Members of the police and fire service joined the Remembrance Day parade. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614002)1st Sawbridgeworth Scout Group Beavers joined the Remembrance Day parade. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614008)The Remembrance Day parade reaches the end of Bell Street. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614026)The Remembrance Day parade reaches the end of Bell Street. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614027)The Remembrance Day parade reaches the end of Bell Street. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614028)The Remembrance Day parade reaches the end of Bell Street. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614029)Rainbows, Brownies and Guides were present at Sawbridgeworth's Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614031)Cubs and beavers with their standards at the Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614032)Standards are lowered at Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614035)Members of the choir from Great St Mary's at Sawbridgeworth's Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614036)Town and district councillor Angela Alder with her husband Ron. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614037)A veteran salutes at the Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614039)Town mayor Cllr Greg Rattey lays a wreath at the Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614040)Safer neighbourhood PC Shelly Marshall at Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614049)Wreath laying at Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614127)Wreath laying at Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614128)Wreath laying at Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614133)Wreath laying at Sawbridgeworth Remembrance Day parade and service. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60614134)
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