Council salute for
those who died
More than 100 people this
morning (Nov 11) attended a ceremony outside Newham Town Hall in
East Ham to mark the 91st anniversary of the armistice that ended
World War One.
A two-minute silence was marked at 11am by a bugler
sounding the Last Post and the lowering of Royal British Legion
standards. Prayers were said by the Rev Ann Easter.
Mayor Sir Robin Wales attended the ceremony with fellow
councillors and told guests, including children from Forest Gate's
Elmhurst School and Territorial Army officers, that it was
important Newham remembered those who had died in conflict.
He said: "When you hear about wars and conflict, remember those in
the armed forces who are there because we have asked them to be
there. They are heroes and we should be thankful for them. We must
never forget what they have done for us."
Flag bearers at the ceremony included the East Ham and Manor Park
branches of the Royal British Legion and the Legion of
Frontiersmen. The bugle was played by Ian Bright from Newham Music
Academy.
Afterwards guests enjoyed refreshments in the main hall of the
Town Hall where there was an exhibition of military memorabilia and
stories of local residents who lost their lives during
conflicts.
More than 2,000 staff at the council's Newham Dockside
headquarters in the Royal Docks also stopped work to observe the
two-minute silence.