Adur and Worthing leaders have thanked the thousands of people who came together for Remembrance events across our communities this weekend.
Services and parades were held in Worthing, Southwick, Shoreham, Sompting and Lancing yesterday (Sunday November 11, 2018) as residents and civic representatives joined for commemorations to mark 100 years since the end of World War One.
Once the wreaths had been laid and the Last Post sounded, communities bowed their heads in silence to remember the contributions of generations past and present in conflicts across the globe.
In the evening, beacon events were held on Worthing seafront and at Shoreham Fort under the banner of Battle’s Over. They were among 1,000 beacons lit across the UK symbolising an end to the darkness of war and a return to the light of peace.
In what was one of the largest events in Sussex, more than 4,000 people attended the Worthing commemorations – nearly double the usual crowds of 2,500.
With 7,000 knitted poppies draped off Worthing Town Hall creating a stunning backdrop, the community united for a service and two minutes silence at 11am before a March Past involving service personnel and other community representatives.
Councillor Paul Baker, Mayor of Worthing, said: “It was the most special of Remembrance Days coinciding with 100 years since the end of the First World War.
“It really was a momentous occasion and I want to thank the whole town for turning out and taking their time to remember those brave armed services personnel and civilians who gave so much so that we can be free.”
In Adur, services were held in Southwick, Sompting and Shoreham. Representatives from the Council attended all three, with Councillor Joss Loader, Chairman of Adur, laying a wreath in East Street, Shoreham.
In the afternoon, Cllr Loader joined hundreds of people in a parade through Lancing to the war memorial in South Street. A service then followed in St Michael and All Angels Church.
Cllr Loader said: “As Adur joined the nation in commemorating the centenary of the Armistice, it was heart-warming to see so many families out with their children, paying their respects.
“I have never seen so many people at the Shoreham War Memorial and St Mary’s Church was filled to capacity. It was a great honour and a very humbling experience to lay the wreaths in Shoreham and Lancing and to remember those who laid down their lives to defend the freedoms that we largely take for granted today.”
Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said: “I represented the council at Southwick and was greatly moved by the turnout of more than 1,000 people. As ever, the people of Southwick did their community proud.”
