The annual ceremonies of remembrance of those men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom in the world wars of 1914-1919, 1939-1945, intervening, and other recent conflicts, were held in Tenby over the past week.
The memorial garden was opened from Monday onwards and many folk planted individual poppy crosses in memory of loved ones so untimely snatched away by war.
Poppies were on sale at many outlets (by kind permission of local tradespeople) and poppy sellers (many of whom were very senior citizens) were selling the district emblem on Friday and Saturday in some often inclement weather, supported by local sea and army cadets. Grateful thanks are extended to all these good folk for their superb effort.
The Sunday ceremony at the Tenby War Memorial, attended by large numbers of people, was led by the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, fellow Tenby councillors and heads of local organisations who were well represented.
Prayers by the Rector of Tenby, Canon David Jenkins, were followed by the RBL exhortation given by the president of Tenby Royal British Legion, Wilf Hardy.
Maroons fired by coxswain Alan Thomas RNLI from the Tenby lifeboat house, marked precisely the two minutes silence.
Incidental music, music for hymns and the trumpet calls of the Last Post and Reveille were provided by musicians of a combined group from Tenby Town and the Salvation Army.
Wreath-laying then took place and final prayers from the Rector, supported by leaders of all denominations in Tenby, brought the service to a close.
The parade re-formed and marched to a well attended service in St. Mary's Church. conducted by Rev. Canon David Jenkins, assisted by Rev. Mark Soady CF, who preached a very topical and meaningful sermon.
The Roll of Honour was read by the Rector, the lesson was read by the Mayor and the Kohima Epitaph rendered by Wilf Hardy, president of RBL Tenby, at the conclusion of the memorial service.
The following day, an 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month service at the War Memorial was attended by a large contingent of servicemen and citizens, despite the torrential rain, to mark not only the armistice of the First World War, but also the cessation of hostilities in World War Two.
The president and officers of Tenby Royal British Legion wish to express heartfelt thanks to all poppy sellers, standard bearers (one of whom is 81 years young), the parade marshal, Lt. Cdr. Sec T. C. Peachey RNR, and the combined band.
Above all, thanks go to the public in general for their wonderful support, both at the war memorial, church and generally around.
That remembrance of those glorious dead is very much alive in Tenby is exemplified by the number of wreaths laid at the memorial last Sunday.
'We must and will remember them'.