Remembrance parades and services took place in Stevenage and North Herts over the weekend, as the nation marked Remembrance Sunday.
Stevenage
A service was held in the Town Square to mark Armistice Day on Friday, November 11.
Members of the Royal British Legion, dignitaries and the general public gathered in the square for a two-minute silence, ahead of the traditional parade and service held on the Bowling Green in High Street on Remembrance Sunday (November 13).
Sunday's march and service - led by Reverend Chandrika Perera of St Hugh and St John- was attended by thousands who came out to pay their respects to fallen soliders.
Wreaths were laid by the Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Sally Burton, Mayor of Stevenage Margaret Notley, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, MP for Stevenage Stephen McPartland and other civic dignitaries and public organisations.
Council leader Sharon Taylor said: "Thanks to thousands that joined us for the parade today.
"I was especially pleased to be joined by my daughter and grandaughters who live in Surrey, as ever to see so many young people taking part and so many of our fabulous local organisations laying wreaths."
On Armistice Day students and staff at Marriotts attended a series of assemblies.
The assembly considered the impact on British Servicemen and women throughout the last century with a particular focus on the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War which led to the loss of 255 military personnel.
Students Ceyhan Topal, Mia Russell, Paige Robertson, Dylan Rumbol and Denise Nogueira Cardoso read poetry and letters written by former soldiers whilst Harrison Markham played Satie's Gymnopedie to accompany images and paintings of the wars - a suitable piece to reflect the somber mood of the assembly.
Head Boy Ceyhan and Head Girl Denise joined with students from other schools in laying a wreath on behalf of the Marriotts community at the Stevenage War Memorial as part of the town's remembrance commemorations.
Hitchin
St Mary's Remembrance Sunday Civic Service was held on November 13.
The service began at 10am and was followed by wreath laying at 11am for the Act of Remembrance by the War Memorial.
The procession commenced into the church from Church House, followed by another from the church to the War Memorial.
A display of 'falling poppies' featured in the church to represent those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Baldock
A short Remembrance services was hosted by the Baldock Branch of the Royal British Legion at the War Memorial in the High Street, where wreaths were laid and the two-minute silence was observed.
This was set to be the branch's final Remembrance parade as slow uptake of new members threatened to see the branch close - however, new members have signed up following the parade and the planned closure has been put on hold.
A spokesperson for the branch said: "Thank you to everyone who attended the Remembrance Day Service this morning, another fantastic turnout. Once again we were blessed with fine weather which definitely helps proceedings!
"We were delighted to welcome Rev. Elizabeth Bunker who did a marvelous job officiating.
"Thanks to Peter and Emma Cherry for their sterling work behind the scenes, Richard for playing the bugle and also to Rob Scahill for providing the PA system."
Letchworth
Letchworth's Remembrance Parade, organised by the town's Royal British Legion branch, was held at the War Memorial in Station Place, followed by a church service at the Free Church, Norton Way South.
Letchworth branch chairman Nigel Kenworthy said: "Thank you to the public and all the wreath layers for their support and attendance this year. And hope for their continued support for years to come.
"Thank you to all cadet forces standard bearers as well as all the youth groups who came to join the parade this year."
Highfield students Emma Lloyd, Lana Wakeman and the headteacher joined the Letchworth community in the Remembrance Sunday parade and laid a poppy wreath at the memorial on Station Place.
Once again, the art department at the school have been working with students to create a wonderful piece of poppy art and a digital installation which is on display in the heart of the school.
This year some of the Ukrainian students joined the Remembrance commemoration by wearing their Ukrainian Scouts Uniform – also known as Plast.
North Herts Council leader Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg said: "During Remembrance, we honour and remember the sacrifices made by North Herts servicemen and servicewomen, veterans and their families.
“From Flanders Fields to supporting our NATO allies, our Armed Forces continue to protect us at home and abroad. Theirs is the ultimate public service."
