An estimated 1100 people gathered at the St Stephen Parish War Memorial to attend Remembrance Day parade and service in the afternoon of Sunday, November 10.
The parade was led by a lone piper from Harpenden Pipe Band, with the 1st St Albans Scouts having the honour of carrying the Union.
Councillor Janet Smith, Mayor of St Albans City and District Council, Parish, District and County Councillors joined more than 400 participants, including serving members of the forces, local cadets, youth groups, schools, churches, residents associations and local organisations, in the parade along Park Street to the St Stephen Parish War Memorial.
Revd Nick Weir, Holy Trinity, Frogmore, led the service to pay tribute to the fallen of both World Wars and more recent conflicts and to remember particularly those who lost their lives during D-Day which took place 75 years earlier.
More than thirty wreaths were laid at the War Memorial and a cadet from the 220 St Albans Squadron Air Training Corps read the names of the fallen of the Parish.
Following the reading of the poem ‘Normandy’, written by Juno Veteran Cyril Cain, Lt Cdr Andrew Carey VR RNR of HMS Wildfire, Northwood laid a wreath commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Councillor Dorothy Kerry, Parish Council Chair took the salute from the parade on the march back along Park Street at the end of the service the parade was again led by Harpenden Pipe Band, with the route being lined on both sides of the road by members of the public.
Councillor Kerry said: “This year’s Remembrance Day parade and Service saw more participants from the local youth groups than ever before. It is wonderful to see so many young people join the local community to pay tribute to those who have given their lives not only in the two World Wars but in the more recent conflicts as well.”
Councillor Kerry extended her sincere thanks to all those who participated in what was a very memorable occasion.
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