TIVERTONIANS gathered in their hundreds to remember those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Girl Guides to ex-servicemen joined the parade lead by the Tiverton Town Band who made their way from the Town Hall to St Peters Church for the remembrance service.
The church was full of people, and town clerks handed out over 700 hymn sheets. Rev Rover Gordon who led the service said: St Peters was full of young and old this morning as we gathered to remember the fallen of the two world wars, and all the conflicts since.
There was a special poignancy today, because of the deaths this week in Afghanistan, and its a very difficult time for very many people, and we must remember those of the past, and those of today, and do our best to build a better future for all people.
The day has been made more significant by the recent losses of British servicemen fighting in Afghanistan. The latest deaths bring the number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 232.
Outside the Memorial Hall, 31 wreaths were laid, and a two minutes silence was held.
His worship, the Mayor of Tiverton, Cllr Paul Graham, spoke to the congregation in church, and laid the first wreath, he said: It was a very poignant day, and very moving as it always is, but with so many different anniversaries being commemorated this year, it makes that service a little bit more significant.
I was very proud to lay the wreath on behalf of the town, and it was something I was looking forward to.
It was nice to speak to a packed church full of people who respect the occasion as well, and seeing so many people wearing poppies is lovely.
Joining those paying their tributes was Commander Adam James from HMS Enterprise, which is the affiliated ship of the town. He said: Its very important that we remember all the people who have given their lives, tragically in numerous conflicts throughout history.
Its a great privilege to be here representing the Royal Navy, and HMS Enterprise, and remember with the people of Tiverton, those from the town who gave their lives.
A new plaque to show that the Memorial Hall building is the towns war memorial was unveiled by Sir Ian Amory who is the chairman of the trust that owns the building. He said: Today, and for the next few weeks while these reefs are laid, it is clear what this building is.
For the rest of the year to the casual passer by, it is not obvious, that this building itself is the war memorial, and inside is a room with boards containing the names of all those Tivertonians who have given their lives, for their county, in the two main wars, and in conflicts since.
This new plaque will make it clear to everyone, what the purpose of this building is.
The president of the Tiverton Royal British Legion, Brigadier Robin Rhoderick-Jones added: Weve noticed that so many people have said we dont have a war memorial in the form of an obelisk or cross with names instead we have a whole building.
We thought it right that we should draw attention to the fact that the boards of the names of servicemen who have died are inside the building, so thats what the plaque is all about.
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, and former MEP Neil Parish laid a reef. He said: Its good to see so many people out, because what happened in the first and second world wars was a long time ago, so it was good to see everybody out in force today, particularly the youngsters.
With us losing troops in Afghanistan, and it being in the news regularly, I think young people understand that people are dying, and it brings the meaning of war into a new generation.
I think we have to be sure were doing the right thing in Afghanistan, and make sure that people are supporting it.
On Armistice Day this Wednesday, a smaller service will be held in Phoenix Lanes Burma Star memorial garden, and the poppy appeal will continue during this festival of remembrance.
Chairman of the Tiverton Royal British Legion, Ramsay Hutchison added: People have been really generous this year. Weve seen £5 notes to £20 notes, and Tiverton has really excelled itself, and Im hoping to beat last years total of £14,000.
The ceremony today, was excellent and it makes everything worthwhile. We have a new board in the remembrance room which I hope everyone will come and see, and sincerely hope there will be no more names on it, but sadly, its inevitable that there will be.
The poppy appeal to me is to look after the families, and the lads who have been injured and make sure theyre ok."
