HUNDREDS of people flocked to the Cairn war memorial in Alton on Sunday (November 10) to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

Under a bright autumn sky it was the service medals, worn with pride by veterans and serving military personnel, that brought gravitas to the occasion, but the children, so full of life and innocence, who brought poignancy.

They were there to remember all those who had given their lives during the two world wars and the many conflicts thereafter, in the name of peace, justice and freedom.

Sporting vibrant red poppies as a mark of remembrance and respect, the emphasis at this year’s service was on forgiveness. In his address, the Rev Andrew Micklefield spoke of the need to look your enemy in the eye and try to understand and forgive the human being behind the action.

Organised by the Alton branch of Royal British Legion (RBL), Alton Town Council (ATC) and Alton churches, this year’s Act of Remembrance began with an impressive parade through the town of uniformed military and youth groups, led by the Alton Boys’ Brigade Band and the RBL standard bearers, overseen by Parade Master Sgt Tom Bagley of 613 Alton Squadron of the Air Training Corps and summonsed by the wail of the siren.

They were welcomed at the Cairn by a swelling crowd of service goers, by the music of the Salvation Army Band, by the voices of the St Lawrence Church choir, and by the Rev Micklefield who, in setting the scene, asked his congregation to remember not just the fallen but those who were injured and traumatised, whether they be military or civilians caught up in the conflict.

He was supported by Rev Gordon Randall, associate vicar, who led the prayers, and Pam Jones of the Methodist Church, who delivered the lesson.

The haunting sound of The Last Post heralded the two-minute silence with Alton Salvation Army’s lone bugler, Julian Poore, going on to deliver a bracing Reveille before the laying of the wreaths, announced by Gill Thorne, and led by Alton town mayor Cllr Graham Titterington.

The mood was enhanced by the distinctive drum of the rotor blades as a Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham flew overhead.