Remembrance service held at East Ham Cenotaph
East Ham Cenotaph - Credit: Archant
Politicians, police chiefs, veterans, cadets and members of the public took part in a remembrance service at the Cenotaph in East Ham this morning.
The service, led by Reverend Fred Ashford-Okai, began with cadets and soldiers marching from the town hall down to the Cenotaph to music played by a brass band.
People lined the streets to watch them go by, with many eagerly filming the event on their mobile phones.
East Ham MP Steven Timms, mayor Robin Wales, Chief Superintendent Ade Adelekan and London Assembly member Unmesh Desai all attended the service to pay their respects.
A number of councillors and dozens of members of the public also braved the cold to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
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The Royal British Legion organised the service, which was backed by the council.
After marching to the Cenotaph, which is in Central Park in East Ham, attendees joined for a minute’s silence, the beginning and end of which was marked by the firing of a large military cannon.
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Several hyms were sung by the crowd, followed by the national anthem.
Mr Ashford-Okai thanked the council for giving people a chance to attend the service and remember those who have died in service of their country.
Mr Ashford-Okai paid tribute to those British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives to war and asked everyone to recommit themselves to peace.
He also paid service to the borough’s young people. Music was provided by a group of teenage musicians, and many young members of the Met and military cadet forces formed part of the procession.
“It is wonderful that there are so many young people here today,” said Mr Ashford-Okai, who struck a positive tone at the end of the service.
“A few years ago, our council decided to give every young person a musical instrument. We can see the results of that decision here today.”
This was one of many remembrance events that took place for Armistice Day.
There were services at All Saints West Ham Parish Church, St Luke’s Memorial in Canning Town, St Mark’s Memorial in North Woolwich and East London Cemetery in Plaistow.
