We Remember Them…

Silence fell on Market Place to remember those who had given their lives in service on Sunday at the Remembrance Service.

Before the service started a helicopter flypast from RAF Benson took place and a recording by Gillotts Students was played with the names of Henley servicemen who died in WW1 read out.

Father Jeremy Tayler conducted the service opening with The Bidding, followed by Chair of the Henley & Peppard Royal British Legion, Anne Evans saying For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon.  The last post was played and a two minute silence followed.   Anne then said the Kohima Epitaph by John Maxwell – When you go home, Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, We have our today.

The service included two hymns, Jerusalem and I Vow to Thee, My Country accompanied by St Mary’s Choir and the Woodley Concert Band.

Henley Mayor, Councillor Kellie Hinton made an address, she said, “We come together to honour and remember those who gave their all for the cause of peace. We remember those who so bravely gave their lives. We think about their families and we keep in our minds those whose lives are so greatly impacted by war.”

“Every year, we stand here together. Every year we remember and we pay tribute. We raise awareness and we raise funds to help support veterans and their families. We say over and over how we remember them, we say the words ‘Lest We Forget’ and whilst we do this and remember our fallen heroes from the past, we must also take time to reflect on the current wars around the world.”

After the prayers, the National Anthem was sang and the laying of wreaths took place from dignitaries, Council members and local organisations including the Army, Air, and Sea cadets, the Fire, Police and Ambulance services along with schools, Brownies, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers.  New wreaths were laid this year by the River & Rowing Museum, the Kenton Theatre and the Twinning Association.

The march past then took place with the parade of organisations marching around Market Place to the applause of the congregation.