THE past, present and future of the armed forces gathered at the War Memorial yesterday for the Remembrance Day service.
The parade marched from the Town Arsenal to Ann’s Place for The Act of Remembrance, which commemorated those who have fallen in war.
A bugler sounded the Last Post, followed by the cannon being fired at Castle Cornet at 11am to signal the start of a two-minute silence.
The Lt-Governor, Sir Fabian Malbon, and Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland led the wreath-laying ceremony, which was followed by prayers led by the Dean, the Very Rev. Paul Mellor.
Eleven-year-old Monty Burnard (pictured), representing the Sea Cadets, was the youngest wreath-layer. ‘It was a bit nerve-racking, because I only learnt the routine this morning,’ she said.
The service was in memory of all the people who had died in all wars, she said. ‘They must have had lots of guts to go out there and fight for their country.’
Miss Burnard wants to join the Royal Navy.
Norman Eastmead, 86, was a member of the forces which liberated the island on 9 May 1945.
‘It was a day I’ll never forget,’ he said.
He went to full-time naval school aged 10. Aged 15, he failed his medical as he was half an inch too short and signed up in the Royal Air Force as a marine fitter instead.
‘On days like today my mind goes back to wartime days,’ he said.
His job was to save people who had been shot down in the English Channel or who were on boats which had been struck by mines.
‘It was a job. I had the choice and I chose to go into the air force,’ he said.
Mr Eastmead said today was the time for young servicemen and women.
‘I’ve had my time. They are doing a job out there today and peace anywhere in the world means peace for you and me.’
The parade then marched to the Boer War memorial in St Julian’s Avenue where wreaths were also laid.
Article posted on 10th November, 2008 - 2.29pm
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