Around 800 people gathered in Kingston on Sunday 8 November to pay their respects for Remembrance Day.
The ceremony began with a Civic Procession from the Guildhall to the newly landscaped Memorial Gardens on Church Street.
Contingents from local organisations, including regimental units, cadets, the ambulance service and the Royal British Legion were present. At the Memorial Gardens, a wreath laying service took place; messages on the wreaths included “Lest we forget” and “Eternal gratitude”.
The service was conducted by the Reverend Joe Moffatt, Vicar of All Saints Kingston, with the Right Reverend Dr Martin Gainsborough, Bishop of Kingston, also in attendance. In his service, Moffatt reflected on the wars past, while also acknowledging current conflicts.
Speaking afterwards, Moffatt said: “It’s so important to honour the past and all those who have served to bring about the peace that we enjoy today. For all those who have sacrificed their own lives for the sake of us, who enjoy this kind of freedom that we have today.”
Michael Stokes of the TS Steadfast Sea Cadets gave the sermon at All Saints after the wreath laying. He told a story about 19-year-old Percy Scott of the Kingston East Surrey Regiment, and one of the 113 killed at Ypres. Stokes highlighted the values of discipline, courage and integrity, and promoted peace.
The morning concluded with a March Past the Guildhall, with the units saluting the Mayor of Kingston. The Kingston and Malden Scout and Guide band played during the procession.
A band leader, Karl Nicholas, felt that it was important for young people to be involved in Remembrance Day events to acknowledge conflicts past and present, and, he said, “to feel part of a community at the same time”.
Moffatt also said: “No matter what background, faith, tradition or where they come from, what is really inspiring about a day like today is to see so many people.”
Throughout November, Kingston Council is running a Kingston Remembrance Series to explore the history of Kingston’s armed services.
