Armistice Day: Kent, Sussex and Surrey hold memorial events
Armistice Day Celebrated In The South East
A knitted poppy was left on a grave at Brookland War Cemetery in Surrey.
BBC News, Southeastern Region
Commemorative events have taken place throughout the southeast of England to observe Armistice Day.
The Armistice, which was a deal to stop the combat of World War I as a step toward peace talks, started at 11:00 GMT on November 11, 1918.
The Armistice ceremonies throughout the UK and Europe took place after the observances of Remembrance Sunday.
Moments of silence were observed, and floral tributes were placed at memorials and grave sites dedicated to those who served in the war.
Source of the image: BBC/George Carden
Tony Avery played a key role in coordinating the parade in Shoreham, West Sussex.
At St Mary's Church in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, naval veteran Tony Avery served as the assistant parade marshal.
He mentioned, "It’s a tremendous privilege, and it truly means a great deal to me."
Consider all the individuals who made sacrifices during the First and Second World Wars, as well as in conflicts like the Falklands, Afghanistan, and Iraq. These brave men and women gave their lives to ensure the freedom of our country.
Image credit: BBC/George Carden
Earlier, veterans and members of the community came together at the war memorial in Shoreham-by-Sea.
The Royal Engineers Museum located in Gillingham, Kent, highlights "the personal accounts of soldiers" in a dedicated gallery, according to its director, Rebecca Nash.
"We're showcasing 6,000 medals, and each one tells its own unique tale of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication," she shared.
Photo credit: BBC/Phil Harrison
The Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham shares the tales of those who have lost their lives in battle.
In Rochester, Vince Maple, the leader of Medway council, along with deputy mayor Douglas Hamandishe and councillor Joanne Howcroft-Scott, placed wreaths at the war memorial in Victoria Gardens.
Photo credit: BBC/Phil Harrison
Medway councillors and the deputy mayor of the region placed wreaths at a war memorial in Rochester.
On Monday, Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey, home to over 4,500 military graves, hosted ceremonies at the Canadian and French burial sections.
Bob Thomson, the lead gardener at the Commonwealth Graves War Commission, shared with BBC Radio Surrey: "This is our busiest time of the year."
"We began months back by taking care of the grass, maintaining it throughout the summer and autumn. This included gathering fallen leaves, cleaning the headstones and borders, removing weeds, and trimming plants."
Bob Thomson and his gardening team dedicate several months to getting Brookwood Cemetery ready for the remembrance activities in November.
Canon Peter Bruinvels, the military liaison officer for Surrey County Council, shared with BBC Radio Surrey that the turnout for remembrance events over the weekend had been impressively high.
In Dorking, 2,000 individuals gathered at St Martin's Church. The amount of support we've received has been truly remarkable.
"Up to now, 30 million poppies have been handed out, along with 6 million pin poppies," he stated.
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