The Skegness branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) organised the activity on Saturday – with veterans from around the country coming together with cadets, RBL members and local dignitaries to honour armed forces personnel who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Nerves were tested as participants were strapped into the 32 swing seats of the ‘Big Ben Tower’ ride at Skegness Pleasure Beach ready for the display – all watched by a crowd of supporters.
"As we climbed to Nimrod, the atmosphere was already emotional,” said Tracy Turner, vice chairman of Skegness RBL. “Then, on the sixth chime of Big Ben, 16 smoke flares were released, with flags attached to every other seat. As we descended, we did so in silence to the haunting sound of The Last Post.”
She added: “Every seat was filled by veterans, branch members and those who continually support Skegness Branch and everything we do in our community. We were especially honoured to have Scott Adlington, our youngest serving soldier, riding with us, alongside one of our two Para Falkland veterans.”
Mayor of Skegness, Coun Daniel Kirk was one of those invited to take part. “It’s important that we continue to remind people that we need to remember and support the work that the RBL do to support our veterans,” he said. “We don’t just do this once a year.
"It was such a view. A huge thank you to the organisers, they’ve done such a fantastic job.”
Participants travelled from as far as Wiltshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire to attend the event.
A spokesperson for Pudsey and Farsley RBL, which had two members join in on the day, said: “It was a real privilege to be included in such a unique and poignant Act of Remembrance, bringing together different generations in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed.”
Last year, the Skegness RBL held a similar act from atop the Big Ben ride – dropping hundreds of bio-degradable red poppies over Skegness.
Following this year’s display, members held a small commemoration at the Remembrance garden in Tower Esplanade, where wreaths and crosses were laid.
9. Coats at the ready
Some snapshots from the special Remembrance event at Skegness Pleasure Beach. Photo: Supplied
10. A Moment to Remember
Participants gathered at the Skegness Royal British Legion's Branch Memorial to lay wreaths and crosses. Photo: Supplied
11. Paying his respects
Mayor of Skegness, Daniel Kirk, after laying a wreath at the memorial. Photo: Supplied
12. Act of Remembrance
A veteran pays his respects at the RBL branch's war memorial. Photo: Supplied