THE SACRIFICES made by the many during the First World War were remembered in a poignant day of events in Pershore.
About 400 people and members of the public of all ages packed into the town centre for the First World War Centenary parade, hosted by the Pershore and District branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
Civic dignitaries joined veterans from the RBL, the Pershore and District Royal Naval Association (RNA).
and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association for the service.
Youth was at the heart of the commemorations with a picture on the front of the order of service designed by 15-year-old Susan Forse while 14-year-old Bethany Ireland read her poignant poem.
Both Pershore High School pupils attended the service alongside headteacher Clive Corbett and other pupils.
Rev Mark Jennings gave the address and prayers while Lt Cmdr Charles Hamlin, President of Pershore and District RNA read the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
After the standards were dipped, the RBL flag was raised up the town’s flagpole where it will fly throughout the month of
August to act as a gentle and quiet reminder of the events 100 years ago.
Ted Annis, Chairman of the Pershore and District branch of the RNA, said: “We would like to thank each and every person involved in these events for marking the beginning of the Centenary so respectfully.
“Nobody wants to commemorate the start of any war but it was the beginning of an important piece of history with the 100th anniversary.
“We must hope that the reminders of conflicts such as these will help prevent us suffering the atrocities that they did in the First and Second World Wars.”
A large number of residents also heeded the call to turn their Lights Out between 10pm and 11pm.
The rallying call, set up by 14-18 NOW, WW1 Centenary Art Commissions, asked people across the country to turn their lights
off for one hour and leave a solitary light or candle on.
At 11pm on August 4 1914 Britain declared war on Germany, ushering in one of the darkest periods in our history.
In tribute, the Observer removed the pictures of our newspaper from our social media channels for one hour and replaced
them with a solitary candle.
Community groups, schools, parish councils and other local organisations can still bid for funding for projects to remember the outbreak of the Great War.
Call Tracy Grubb on 01386 565168 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Civic dignitaries, veterans from Pershore’s RBL and RNA and other representatives came together on Monday to remember the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. (s)
Susan Forse’s powerful picture adorned the front of the Order of Service for Monday’s commemorations. (s)
