Towns and villages fell silent yesterday for the thousands of men and women from Suffolk and north Essex who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

From the very youngest child attending their first parade to the war veterans who have been many times – respects, thanks and tributes were paid in abundance during Remembrance Sunday events.

For two minutes at 11am serving and former military personnel, civic dignitaries and members of an array of community groups, stood to think about the men and women who have fought on land, air and sea.

Denis Bloomfield, chairman of Suffolk’s Royal British Legion (RBL), the principal organisers of the remembrance events, said the particular focus this year was on educating children.

“We have got to keep it in the minds of youngsters today, we are not always going to be here and we want it to carry on,” he said.

“Schools have in the last few years, and particularly this year, embraced remembrance and the meaning of it; it has helped that it is back on the National Curriculum.

“Many schools are now represented in parades, which is excellent.”

Robin Vickery, chairman of the RBL’s Ipswich branch, said there was an “exceptionally large” turnout for the parade and service.

“It was extremely well-received by members of the public, they were spread right down to the bottom of Christchurch Park where the cenotaph is to the mansion,” he said.

“We have had a lot of people come for the Remembrance service in the last three years and we see more younger people coming. I think it is because the younger generation have friends who have gone out to Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya and know their generation has also been affected; it’s not just the First World War or Second World War.”