CIVIC party representatives and members of the public paid their respects to fallen soldiers in Bournemouth on Armistice Day.

A service of remembrance was held outside of the Town Hall, attended by the mayor of Bournemouth Cllr David Kelsey, deputy mayor Cllr Susan Phillips and the chairman of BCP Council Cllr Nigel Hedges.

Over the road, dozens of veterans, adults and school children from Tregonwell Academy stood around the cenotaph in Central Gardens and paid tribute to soldiers who had died in previous conflicts.

A bugler played the Last Post and the Reveille either side of a two-minutes silence, which was observed by all.

Bournemouth Echo:

Bournemouth Mayor Cllr David Kelsey, who is also the armed forces representatives for the council, said: “It was nice to have people here this morning after last year where we couldn’t celebrate the remembrance service in any way, although many people did turn up.

“It was extremely nice to see so many children there, and the fact that the kids are learning about this at school.

“Whilst World War I and World War II are in the distant pass for many people, we have modern day conflict. It is important for the younger children to also remember because they would have had their own relatives, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, that have served in those conflicts.”

Bournemouth Echo: Civic leaders, veterans and members of the public stood and observed a two-minutes silence and paid their respects outside the Town Hall and at the cenotaph in Bournemouth on Thursday November 11, 2021

Wreaths and poppies were also laid at the foot of the cenotaph by servicemen and representatives from the council and civic offices.

Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch will each be hosting a Remembrance Sunday parade on November 14, which is expected to be well attended by veterans and residents alike.

Cllr Kelsey added: “I am looking forward to Sunday immensely. It has been two years since we have had a full parade.

“It will be my first parade as Mayor this year which, for me personally, is the biggest honour I could ever have, being an ex-serviceman, to actually take the salute and to actually do the parade itself.”