Day of victory is remembered

More than 300 veterans attended the open air service of commemoration and thanksgiving at the Pier Approach yesterday.

They comprised veterans of the Army, the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Gurkhas, including representatives from the Burma Star Association.

The youngest of those invited was 12-year-old Thomas Havelock, from Christchurch, proudly wearing war medals won by his great-grandfather and great-grandmother for service during World War I. He was accompanied by grandfather Ken Havelock-Wood who served in the Royal Navy during World War II.

The service, an inter-faith event, featured representatives from the Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist faiths who gave readings.

Canon Jim Richardson, rector of the town centre parish and Father Anthony Pennicott, Roman Catholic dean of Bournemouth and parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church, also led prayers.

There was also a two-minute silence in memory of those who died.

Bournemouth mayor Cllr Ted Taylor, other civic dignitaries and war veterans marched off to the strains of It's A Long Way to Tipperary performed by the Ringwood Pipe Band.

After the service, veterans enjoyed a cream tea in the Pavilion Ballroom where they were entertained with Glenn Miller music.

Other highlights of the day included music from Marlow Town Band in the Lower Gardens and an exhibition of military vehicles by the Dorset Military Vehicle Trust.

Cllr Taylor said: "The whole event went off very well with no hitches whatsoever. I think the most moving thing is always the Last Post. If it wasn't for the veterans we wouldn't be here today.

"They gave their lives for us. The main thing was that it was inter-faith - Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists all took part.

"What people forget is that people from all these other faiths lost their lives too. The message is we should work together for a peaceful world."

First published: August 15