CAPTION: Veterans gathered for the commemoration on Plymouth Hoe
Remembrance Sunday Calls Us to Pursue Peace Says Bishop of Exeter
The Bishop of Exeter led prayers at this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemoration on Plymouth Hoe.
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison reflected on the importance of remembering the horrors of the past in order to “pursue peace” today.
He said “We meet today to remember. To remember those who fell in battle in World War One and World War Two and other conflicts; the Royal Navy, the RAF, the Army, associated regiments and corps.
The band of the Royal Marines plays the Last Post on Plymouth Hoe
“Those who have fallen in conflicts since then, and those who continue to fall in conflicts even now. We salute their sacrifice, their courage and generosity of spirit.
“We remember, not least so that we too may take responsibility to continue to pursue the peace for which they fought.”
Meanwhile the Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev’d James Grier helped lead the commemoration at Torquay’s Cenotaph memorial by the harbour.
The Civic Parade and Remembrance Service included Armed Forces personnel, veterans and cadets. The service included wreath laying and a maroon firing at the start and end of the two minute’s silence.
Military cadets were among those laying wreaths a the service
Music was provided by Bay Brass, Exeter Pipe and Drums, and the Unleashed Choir, part of Unleashed Christian Theatre.
The Mayor of Torbay, Cllr Hazel Foster, said “When the guns fell silent at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, a promise was made to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s a promise we keep today and renew every Remembrance Sunday.”
During the afternoon, Devon’s County Remembrance service was held at Exeter Cathedral led by The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, the Interim Dean of Exeter Cathedral.
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin gave a blessing.
This service was accompanied by music from Exeter Cathedral Choir, and attended by military and veteran associations.
Commemorative wreaths were passed to the Interim Dean, then placed in Exeter Cathedral’s Devon and Dorset Regimental Chapel, before being laid at the War Memorial on Cathedral Green.
