Community comes together to mourn fallen heroes and celebrate our armed forces
The largest crowd in recent memory supported this year's Remembrance Sunday parade through the streets of Melton Mowbray.
People got down to the town centre early to get a viewing spot as the procession made its way from Chapel Street, past Melton Police Station and along Sherrard Street and Market Place, en route to the service of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church.
This is truly a day when the community comes together, with youngsters playing a major role from the Scouts, Guides and Brownies to the army and air cadets, all immaculately turned out as ever.
Veterans marched with their medals proudly on display alongside current serving members of our armed forces, including personnel from the town’s Defence Animal Training Regiment and from HMS Daring, a Royal Navy warship affiliated to Leicestershire.
Representatives of the local branches of the Royal British Legion and Royal Airforce Association (RAFA) took part with their standard bearers and they were joined by MP Edward Argar, borough and county councillors and senior members of Melton Mowbray Town Estate.
Local undertakers were involved too, as well Melton police officers and firefighters and members of the town’s Polish community.
The military horses and dogs got a special cheer from the crowd as they paraded through the town with servicemen and women.
Members of the Melton Band and the RATAE Pipe Band accompanied the procession, which reformed after the church service being making its way to Memorial Gardens for a wreath-laying service and the sounding of the Last Post.
Janice Stone, of the 6th Melton Brownies, said the group’s girls and leaders were ‘honoured’ to take part in the parade – she added: “The leaders were all incredibly proud of all the girls who participated and represented us so brilliantly.”
The parade was organised by Melton Borough Council in collaboration with the Melton Mowbray Royal British Legion Club, Defence Animal Training Regiment, Melton Mowbray Town Estate, Leicestershire Police, Melton Lions, St Mary’s Church, Crouch Recovery, St Johns Ambulance, Nicks Taxis, Melton Town Band and RATAE Pipe Band.
The event is the culmination of the Poppy Appeal campaign to commemorate the sacrifices made by men and women in conflicts around the world.