Hundreds of residents joined veterans and civic leaders in Clacton on Sunday (9 November) to honour those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service carried added significance this year as the community marked 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
The parade stepped off from Clacton Town Hall at 10.30am, led by the 295 Squadron Air Cadets band, and included local Scouts, Guides and other organisations.
Tendring District Council Chairman Bill Davidson took the salute before joining dignitaries and veterans at the Memorial Garden on the seafront.
At 11am, the town fell silent for two minutes as wreaths were laid in tribute to the fallen.
The service, conducted by Reverend David Lower, featured a bugle performance by Ellie Bould, a reading of the Gayatri Mantra by Dhirajlal Karia, and words from Clacton Royal British Legion Chairman Richard Geddes.
Councillor Davidson said: “Seeing so many people come together to remember was deeply moving and a true reflection of our community spirit.
“Residents in Clacton always come out in force for this occasion, and this year was particularly poignant as we marked 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
“It was heartening to see generations standing side by side in gratitude and respect — their memory lives on through moments like this.”
Councillor Dan Casey, Tendring District Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added that the council has a proud and enduring relationship with the Armed Forces.
“We honour the courage, dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community — from veterans and reservists to cadets and service families — not just on special occasions, but all year round,” he said.
“Each year the council flies the Armed Forces Day flag at Clacton Town Hall to mark national Armed Forces Week and hosts the much-loved Veterans’ Tea Dance at Clacton’s Princes Theatre - and last year the council was presented with the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme’s Gold Award - recognising outstanding support for veterans, reservists and military families.”
Remembrance services were also held in other towns and villages across the Tendring district.
