Remembrance Sunday event in Louth caps successful year for Legion branch

The Louth community came together on Sunday morning to remember and honour all those who gave their lives in service to the nation, those who served in conflicts past and present, and those who continue to serve.

Veterans mingled with serving personnel from the Armed Forces, cadet forces, civic leaders, local organisations and members of the public as they gathered to pay their respects.

The event began with a service at the war memorial at the corner of Ramsgate and Eastgate for a short service, the playing of the ‘Last Post’ and the Two-Minute Silence at 11 am. The Kohima Epitaph – ‘When you go home, tell them of us and say: for your tomorrow, we gave our today’ – was also read and both the Lord’s Prayer and National Anthem observed before a Remembrance parade departed for St James’s Church.

Between 11.35 am and 12.20 pm, a Remembrance service was held at the church, which was adorned on its exterior by a display of thousands of poppies. At the end of the service, the parade stepped off from Westgate and after the march past and salute, it was dismissed art 12.45 pm.

Steve Smith, the chair of Louth RBL, thanked everyone “for taking part in the parade, attending the service or simply pausing to remember” – and also everyone for supporting the branch during year.

He said: “Remembrance remains at the heart of everything we do. It is about never forgetting and recognising the courage and sacrifice of those who served, those who continue to serve, and the families whose lives have been changed by conflict. It is also about ensuring that future generations understand why Remembrance matters.

"Looking back, 2026 has been a fantastic year for Louth and District RBL. We have seen some wonderful occasions bringing people together, continued to strengthen our membership and enjoyed tremendous support from our local community.

"Two particular highlights have been our summer barbecue and, of course, our very first Poppy Ball. The response to the ball was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many people supporting the branch and enjoying the evening together."

Steve was also keen to recognise that these achievements would not have been possible without the contribution of the many people who support the branch -- from its members and volunteers to local businesses and community supporters.

Looking ahead, the branch is keen to build on this momentum and continue developing its presence across the Louth district. Plans for 2027 include further recruitment opportunities, more social events and new ways for local people to become involved with the Legion. It is also planning its second Poppy Ball next October.

Steve added: “We certainly don't intend to stand still. We want to continue growing, welcome new faces and create more opportunities for people to come together. Whether someone is interested in becoming a member, volunteering, supporting an event or simply finding out more about what we do, there is a place for them.

"A branch is only as strong as its members and supporters, and we want to make sure Louth and District RBL continues to be an active and welcoming part of our community. There is plenty to look forward to in 2027, and we would love to see even more people get involved."

See below a gallery of photos from Sunday’s Remembrance event. Some have been kindly provided by Charlotte Tickhill-Bellamy, secretary of the Louth and District RBL branch.