London,
13
November
2011
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney remembers

Hackney residents joined ex-service men and women and civic dignitaries to remember the fallen at the borough’s Remembrance Sunday parade and church service on Sunday (November 13).

The Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, led the proceedings which began with a march from Reading Lane to St-John-at-Hackney Church via Mare Street and Lower Clapton Road. Taking part in the parade were representatives from Normandy Veterans, Royal British Legion and members of other local associations including the Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade Band and the Red Cross. Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe and Hackney MPs Meg Hillier and Diane Abbott.

On arrival at the church, the Speaker laid a wreath at the Cenotaph to commemorate those who lost their lives during military service. Father Rob Wickham led the special church which featured readings about peace and forgiveness and ended with the National Anthem, after which the procession marched back to Hackney Town Hall culminating with a salute and laying of a wreath at the war memorial.

Cllr Fajana-Thomas said: “It is an honour to represent Hackney this Remembrance Sunday. We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during the World Wars and all conflicts that have taken place since. There are many local families who have been affected by the wars, and I would like to give special mention to the men and women from Hackney, past and present, who dedicated their lives to serving their country.”

Elsewhere in the borough, Deputy Speaker Cllr Jessica Webb attended the Remembrance Day Service at St Leonard’s Church, Shoreditch High Street, and laid wreaths at the church’s war memorial and at the entrance of Stoke Newington Library.

Photo caption 1: Speaker of Hackney Cllr Susan-Fajana Thomas at St-John-at-Hackney Church

Photo caption 2: The War Memorial at St-John-at-Hackney Church