Steve
Gregory from the Bridlington Branch, travelled to London to help build the Field
of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Back
home in Bridlington he took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade.
“I
have been to London many times as an officer and have paraded in Whitehall in
the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and the Prime Minister on Remembrance
Sunday. I have relatives who gave their lives in both the world wars, and I
have worked with colleagues who have been killed in the line of duty. I feel a
strong sense of thanks for the freedom we enjoy, which drives me to honour
these people – particularly at this time of the year. I have many stories I
could tell but I will save them for another time.
I
have helped to build the Field of Remembrance before and it is very tiring both
physically and emotionally. There were about 130,000 crosses to hammer into the
ground this year and most of them had been handwritten by the people sending
them in. Initially I read every one but soon realised that there was so much to
do and not much time in which to do it and the emotion of reading some of the
inscriptions was also taking its toll. The Field was completed in 3 days
despite the rain and it was ready for opening by the Duke of Edinburgh on the
Thursday.
As
for the Sunday parade in Bridlington we all lined up at about 10:25. There was
a pipe band in front, followed by the colours, and then the wreath bearers -
which included myself representing the Church. The parade also included uniform
and civic groups and was about 250 meters long. We paraded through the streets
to the cenotaph where a short service was held followed by 2 minutes silence
and then the laying of the wreaths. Each organisation was called out over the
sound system and then their chosen representative walked forward and laid the
wreath, and after stepping back either saluted or paused for a moment before
returning to the parade. Our wreath bore the Church's name in bold letters and
was laid in a prominent position at the front for all to see. It will remain
there for several weeks before being moved by the council.
I
know that the Lord Jesus Christ has blessed and protected me over many years. I
see this clearly when I look back. I am so fortunate to be able to honour those
who lost their lives.”
