HUNDREDS paid their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts at Evesham’s War Memorial.
The commemorations began at 10.50am when a parade of uniformed organisations and ex-service personnel, accompanied by Avonbank Brassband, made their way from the Market Square to the memorial in Abbey Park.
Hundreds of residents had already gathered at the War Memorial to pay their respects at the annual poignant service organised by the town’s Royal British Legion branch.
As the Last Post played at 11am those who had gathered, along with the rest of the Vale and the country fell silent to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.
After a moving and poignant silence, representatives from several local charities, businesses, schools and organisations laid wreathes at the foot of the memorial.
The band then led the standard bearers, the Civic Party and the uniformed organisations to All Saints’ Church for a Service of Remembrance.
Speaking to the Observer, the Chairman of the Evesham RBL Alan Booth said: “I thought it went off very well in spite of the cold. It was good to see so many out.
“The whole service seems to attract more and more each year. It was pleasing to see some serving personnel attending.
“What I was more impressed with was the Polish community joining in. They became very useful to us during the Second World War.
“I just want to thank all that gave their support from the very young through all ages.”
