Sunday 9th September 2007:
Service of Remembrance & Wreath Laying
at the National Memorial
The Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th September was
a most moving event, with the Church of St Mary Le Bow filled to capacity.
The Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters processed
into the Church and took their places. Twenty two Standards from Brigades
across the U.K., together with the Union Flag, and Standards from the
Fire Service College, National Association of Retired Firefighters and
the London Fire Brigade were received.
Following the Service, the Parade formed up with vintage fire and emergency
vehicles, Standards, a marching band comprising players from the West
Midlands and the Tyne and Wear Brigades and almost the entire congregation.
The Parade, from Cheapside to the United Kingdom Firefighters National
Memorial situated near to St Paul’s Cathedral, was escorted by City
of London Police foot patrols, motor cycle outriders and mounted branch
officers..
At the Memorial a short but poignant Wreath Laying Service was held, with
those present observing a two-minute silence. The Last Post, Reveille
and a Lament (by a lone piper) were played. The Names of four Firefighters
who sadly made the ultimate sacrifice during the past twelve months were
read out. Over fifty wreaths were laid, not only by loved ones but also
by a wide cross-section of the Fire Service Community. Twenty five Brigades
were represented at the Ceremony which was attended by about three hundred
and fifty people and observed by many tourists.
The parade was dismissed after the final wreaths were
laid and many people then approached the Memorial and stood in quiet contemplation.
The Standard Bearers and Fire Service Bands are to be congratulated for
providing such a stirring input to the whole of the Remembrance Event.
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