VIDEO: Remembrance services in Bury’s Abbey Gardens to honour those who fought for our freedom

Dignitaries, service personnel and veterans were among those who gathered in the Abbey Gardens for a series of remembrance services to honour those who fought for our freedom.

The services, conducted by Mayor of St Edmundsbury’s Chaplain The Very Reverend Canon Mark Hackeson, were held in the Rose Garden at memorials for the 94th Bombardment Group, Dunkirk, Normandy Veterans, the Royal Anglian Regiment and RAF Honington.

Those who gave readings included the Mayor Cllr Julia Wakelam, Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill, Deputy Mayor of St Edmundsbury Cllr Terry Clements and Vice Chairman of Bury Town Council Cllr Frank Warby.

Wreaths were laid by the mayor, the Royal British Legion, Dunkirk Veterans Association, Normandy Veterans Association, Viking Family Support Group and a representative from RAF Honington.

David Kemp, chairman of the Bury branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Every year these services become more important because we have conflicts around the world.

“We should always remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers for our freedom.”

Cllr Wakelam said: “If we don’t remember those who have fought for us then we are betraying them and their values. People fought against fascism and we must never forget why we went to war.

“We’re not just remembering the Great War and Second World War, we’re remembering the countless service people who have died since.”

There will be a parade and wreath laying, attended by past and present service people, on Angel Hill from 10.30am tomorrow.

It is followed by a remembrance service in St Mary’s Church at 11.30am.