This morning, veterans and a few hundreds people commemorated those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and later conflicts, at the Chandler’s Ford war memorial.
Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 12 November in 2017, is a day to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
A two-minute silence was held across the country and wreaths were laid at memorials.
In Chandler’s Ford, people old and young were gathering at the war memorial, outside the St. Boniface Church on Hursley Road, including 93-year-old war veteran Frank Damerell, Night Fighter Navigator (the aircraft was “The Mosquito Night Fighter”) during the Second World War.
A gentleman standing next to me told me his father was killed during the Second World War when he was only a small child, and he attended the memorial service every year here, and then he would also attend the memorial service in Southampton in the afternoon.
The immediate past Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Des Scott, represented the Borough at the Chandler’s Ford service. Also attending were Cllr Margaret Atkinson, representing the Chandler’s Ford Parish Council, John Leeks, the Scouts’ District Commissioner, and many others.
The day started with a parade from the bottom of Hursley Road (next to Co-op), to the war memorial. Many smartly dressed scouts and girl guides in particular were marching and the scene was pretty impressive.
Police were present to control the traffic.
After observing a two-minute silence, many people continued with the service inside the church.
Some of the wreaths laid this morning:
Inside the church, these songs were sung: Jerusalem, and God save the Queen.
This morning, the traffic was stopped on Hursley Road for a short while whilst people were observing a two-minute silence (thanks to the police for doing a great job). However before the 2 minutes ended, I heard someone honking their horn. It was a totally unacceptable behaviour. I hope people learn to be respectful, and more patient. Two minutes on a Sunday stopping your car before the War Memorial – it’s not too much to ask. You’re not at a war zone. You have the luxury of a lovely peaceful Sunday morning because of the people before us. Do not honk next time please.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We will remember them. #TwoMinuteSilence #RemembranceSunday pic.twitter.com/w2Hrr8vB8Z
— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) November 12, 2017
Peace celebrations outside the Railway Hotel (now the Monks Brook) in Hursley Road, following the 1st World War. pic.twitter.com/oqCaUcyCF2
— Eastleigh History (@Eastleighistory) November 11, 2017
Related posts
- Meet 92-year-old War Veteran Frank Damerell
- Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 2016
- Sunday 13th November 2016 – Remembrance Sunday Service in Eastleigh Borough
- Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford: 8 November 2015
- Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford: 9 November 2014
- Barbara Hillier: Story of My Great Uncle Wilfred Herbert Hillier and His Memorial Plaque
- In Loving Memory of Wilfred Herbert Hillier
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Thank you Janet for an excellent article and photos. Well done to the people of Chandlers Ford, young and old, who participated, showing their respect
Thank you David. I felt very privileged to be there, standing with people in the neighbourhood and strangers, all with their own stories. There were small children and veterans, and also people of many nationalities. Last year I chatted with a Jewish family, and this year a Mexican family. Chandler’s Ford is quite a diverse community.
Lovely summary, Janet. I was at our church’s service today which was beautifully done. Sorry about the lack of respect from some. It is just ignorant. Some people drove by our ceremony but most slowed down to keep engine noise to a minimum, which is okay, but honking a horn? Never.
It was a beautiful day this morning (next year I’ll wear my gloves). Great to see people of all ages all got together. It’s such a beautiful tradition.