Bury St Edmunds remembered the fallen as a poignant Remembrance Sunday parade and service were held, along with events across the region.

Last year the traditional parade could not be held due to Covid, meaning tributes had to be scaled down. But this year the procession and service at the town's war memorial on Angel Hill returned.

East Anglian Daily Times: Remembrance Sunday, Bury St EdmundsRemembrance Sunday, Bury St Edmunds (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Nigel Wolstenholme, vice-chairman of Bury St Edmunds Royal British Legion, said: "It was a really excellent service. It was very moving and emotional, and was well-supported by the townspeople of Bury."

East Anglian Daily Times: A two minute silence was observed at the cenotaphA two minute silence was observed at the cenotaph (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

The service was attended by many veterans, cadet forces and members of the public. Dignitaries taking part included Peter Thompson, the mayor of Bury St Edmunds, the town's MP Jo Churchill and Margaret Marks, chair of West Suffolk Council.

East Anglian Daily Times: Scouts from Bury St Edmunds paraded with the Royal British LegionScouts from Bury St Edmunds paraded with the Royal British Legion (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

The open-air service and wreath-laying were followed by the civic service at St Mary's Church.

East Anglian Daily Times: The armed forces from bases in west Suffolk attended the Remembrance service in Bury St EdmundsThe armed forces from bases in west Suffolk attended the Remembrance service in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)


The service was attended by Group Captain Piers Holland, station commander at RAF Honington and other army members from RAF Honington, as well as senior officers and personnel from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. Commander Darren Mason, the commanding officer from the nuclear submarine HMS Vengeance, also attended.

Apache helicopters from Wattisham Flying Station also flew overhead to support the ceremony. The flights, which are an important part of annual Remembrance activities, were suspended due to Covid in 2020.

Bernie Millard, chairman of Bury St Edmunds Royal British Legion, arranged the wreath laying. The service was conducted by the Rev Simon Harvey, and the sermon was preached by the Rev Andy Williams, both from the parish of St Mary and St Peter.

East Anglian Daily Times: Remembrance Sunday, Bury St EdmundsRemembrance Sunday, Bury St Edmunds (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

On Thursday, November 11, a moving service was held on Angel Hill to mark Armistice Day, with dignitaries, schoolchildren and members of the public gathering for the wreath-laying ceremony.

This year marks the centenary of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and its Poppy Appeal, which support serving and ex-members of the Armed Forces and their families.


East Anglian Daily Times: The Royal British Legion organised the wreath laying in Bury St EdmundsThe Royal British Legion organised the wreath laying in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Meanwhile, at the Remembrance Sunday service at Haughley, one of the youngest people paying tribute was 18-month-old Alexandra Palmer, who laid a poppy wreath.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alexandra Palmer, aged 18 months, laying a poppy wreath at Haughley's Remembrance Sunday serviceAlexandra Palmer, aged 18 months, laying a poppy wreath at Haughley's Remembrance Sunday service (Image: Kieron Palmer)

Her father, Kieron Palmer, of Palmers Bakery, last year created silhouettes of soldiers to honour the lives lost in his village during the two World Wars.

East Anglian Daily Times: Members of the public watched on as the traditional service took place in Bury St EdmundsMembers of the public watched on as the traditional service took place in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)