Residents joined veterans and civic leaders across Tendring on Sunday (8 November) to honour those who have given their lives in service to the nation.

Clacton’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade stepped off from The Grove, outside Clacton Town Hall, before making its way to the Memorial Garden on the seafront.

The occasion was a welcome chance to recognise the sacrifices of all those who have served the country and show continuing support for veterans and their families.

Led by new Parade Marshal Kevin Sawyer, the parade included local Scouts, Guides and other organisations – with the band of the Essex Wing RAF Air Cadets at its head.

Tendring District Council (TDC) Chairman Ann Oxley took the salute outside the Town Hall before joining veterans, dignitaries and Clacton Royal British Legion (RBL) Chairman Richard Geddes at the memorial.

At 11am, the town fell silent as wreaths were laid in tribute to the fallen. Reverend David Lower conducted the service, with bugler Ellie Bould sounding the Last Post. The Salvation Army Band also played at the memorial.

Councillor Oxley said: “Remembrance is personal to so many families, and coming together as a community gives us a chance to reflect on what that sacrifice means to us all.

“It was particularly moving to see young people taking part alongside veterans, helping to carry remembrance forward.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and to all those who helped organise such a fitting tribute.”

Councillor Dan Casey, Clacton RBL President and TDC’s Armed Forces Champion, addded: “Today was about remembering those who never came home, but also recognising the service of those still with us and the families who stand behind them.

“That support must last beyond Remembrance Sunday. From marking Armed Forces Week to bringing people together at the Veterans’ Tea Dance, we are proud to celebrate our Armed Forces community and keep those connections strong throughout the year.”

Remembrance services were also held in other towns and villages across the Tendring district.

In Harwich, there was a wreath laying and a civic church service at St Nicholas Church, organised by the Harwich branch of the RBL, while in Manningtree, the town council organised a Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial in High Street.

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