Tribute at Memorial Woodlands to the fallen
More than 200 people attended a service commemorating men and women who have lost their lives serving their country at Bristol Memorial Woodlands, near Alveston.
The annual Military Service of Remembrance was led by Padre Maj. Andy Latifa in the onsite chapel at the Memorial Woodlands. This was followed by a parade to the war memorial within the woodlands where 28 wreaths were laid by different veteran and charity organisations paying their respects.
Military representatives from groups as far away as South Wales, Swindon and Stoud attended the annual event, which has grown in reach and attendance year on year.
Dame Janet Trotter, former Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, acting for the Gloucestershire Lieutenancy, attended and read the lesson at the service, which was also attended by Colonel Jane Thompson, Deputy Lieutenant for the County and City of Bristol. Theirs were the first two wreaths to be laid.
Fourteen standards could be seen during the parade with the British Legion, Aden Veterans and many other veteran groups taking part. John Maloney of the Royal British Legion closed the solemn occasion by layinmg a wreath on behalf of the D-Day Veterans, marking their anniversary year.
David Rae for Bristol Memorial Woodlands said: “It was our honour to welcome so many veterans here – many for the first time along with our uniformed services and civilians remembering their family members. We are privileged to be asked to host this occasion year after year.”
