As a tribute to the lives lost at War, on remembrance Sunday St Johns church held a memorial parade and service at the Belmont war memorial. The event was organised by the Royal British Legion, Burma Star Association, Jewish ex-servicemen and women association and the Crystal Palace Band directed by Mike Grey.

 

The parade began at Belmont Pub at ten thirty with participants including Belmont guides, scouts, members of The Royal British Legion and 219 and 1924 Squadrons Air Cadets. The roads were closed on the route to the memorial. The parade was accompanied by bronze instrumentalists. The service at the war memorial began at ten fifty, allowing for a two minute silence at eleven. Visitors arrived to the playing of music by the Crystal Palace Band. The service was opened with the psalm 46:1 ‘God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in struggle.’ The hymn ‘O’God, our help in ages past’ was sung, followed by the vicar’s thanking of the lives lost in the World Wars and in present conflicts. He expressed the need for peace and reconciliation between nations and the consequences of war and terror.

 

The Exhortation was read followed by the Burma star Kohima exhortation ‘For your tomorrow we gave out today’. Poppy wreathes were placed by individuals and groups including Guides, Scouts, Cadets, a representative of Paul Burstow; the Belmont Conservatives; the Royal British Legion; The Burma Star; the Metropolitan and Military Police; the Merchant Navy and the Avenue Primary School. After the laying of the wreaths attendees were invited to a service at St Johns church.

 

The memorial service must have had deep meaning for an elderly War veteran who attended wearing his medals. Overall the service was a touching and thought provoking tribute to those that have suffered due to conflicts in the past and those still suffering today.

 

Eleanor Harrison, Sutton High School