'We will remember them' -- hundreds respect one of Horncastle's key traditions

Remembrance Sunday is always an opportunity for the town to come together as a community to remember and honour all those who served their country or sacrificed their lives in the Armed Forces during wars or conflicts. And the latest event, organised by Horncastle Town Council and backed by the Horncastle and District branch of the Royal British Legion, fulfilled its remit perfectly.

This year, there were one or two changes to the usual schedule, with the service at St Mary’s Church starting earlier, at 9.45 am, than previously and no parade taking place along West Street and Bridge Street. But the event was still a huge success and supported by so many locals paying their respects.

The service was overseen by the rector of the Horncastle parish, Rev Canon Charles Patrick, whose own father played a key role during the Second World War. Beforehand, Mr Patrick’s focus was on “clinging to the gift of peace” and not to seek extremist solutions for the problems of the world. He urged people to “strive for all that makes for peace”, to “seek to heal the wounds of war” and “to work for a just future for all humanity”.

After the service, at about 10.30 am, a parade of uniformed organisations formed near the Market Place before marching to the War Memorial Centre in North Street, where an Act Of Remembrance and the laying of wreaths took place, as well as the Two-Minute Silence. At 12 midday, there was also a short service of Remembrance at the Korean War Memorial at Hamerton Gardens.

Please see below a gallery of photos from Sunday’s event, kindly supplied by Rob Savage.

The traditional time of Remembrance continues in Horncastle this coming Wednesday (November 11) at 11 am when a bugler will sound the ‘Last Post’ to commemorate those who have died in battle and the Two-Minute Silence will be observed on the Market Place. Everyone is invited to join members of the Horncastle and District branch of the Royal British Legion to pause in a ceremony to mark the end of the First World War and reflect on the service and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces on our behalf.