On Sunday November 13 in many towns, cities and villages there were special services to mark the end of the first world war (November 11, 1918) and all those who gave their lives not just in that conflict but in all wars since.
St Mary’s, Rye was packed on Sunday with worshippers wishing to remember and pay their respects. The service was conducted by the rector, Revd Paul White and Linda Estrada. There was a parade beforehand of services, civil and youth organisations proudly carrying their standards.
During the service Martin Bruce sang the spiritual, “I am a poor, wayfaring stranger” which featured in the film 1917. It perfectly summed up the feelings of young soldiers as they faced the horrors of war. Many people were moved to tears as the plaintive notes resonated around the church.
After the service everyone congregated by the war memorial and, following a two-minute silence, wreaths were ceremoniously laid around it, culminating in local children planting crosses in the ground at its base. This is such a poignant part of the service and many other people from Rye joined those who had been in the church.
PO (SCC) Phil Whiteman, commanding officer Rye and District Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, said after the service: “I was extremely proud of the way everyone connected to the unit conducted themselves yesterday at the remembrance parade and service in Rye yesterday. We had our two mayor’s cadets on parade with the town council, our own standard with escorts and proudly carrying the Rye RBL standard for them. Our two wreath-layers were fantastic, along with the juniors who were laying crosses with the names of the towns fallen on them. All the cadets in our squad were brilliant, the highest standard of drill I think I’ve seen.”
Colonel Anthony Kimber, president of Rye Royal British Legion and co-ordinator of the event commented: “Rye has become renowned for its well-supported civic Remembrance Sunday event, to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who defend our freedoms and protect our way of life. In recent years, we have seen well over 500 representatives from regular, reserve, former service associations, national bodies and youth organisations taking part. It was particularly satisfying to see so many young people in the church and at the memorial.”
“As the poppy appeal organiser for Rye and district,” continued Paul Whiteman, “I would like to thank everybody for their generosity this year. Times are hard, but many of you have dug deeply and been very generous in your contributions. I would particularly like to thank some of the local businesses: Jempson’s for letting us have a table inside the Rye store; Adams for letting the Rye sea cadets collect on Saturdays on their forecourt; and Bargain Box for seeming to extract every last penny from their customers.
“As you may be aware, the young people from the scouts, guides and sea cadets lay 153 wooden crosses to commemorate all those remembered on the war memorial. The cost of these crosses is debited from the amount the Rye area raises. It would be nice if a local business or individuals would sponsor some of this cost. Please contact me at paulwhiteman@btinternet.com.”
Image Credits: Kt Bruce , Kt bruce .