ONCE AGAIN Reading turned out in their hundreds for Remembrance Sunday.
The annual commemoration and reflection took place at both Reading Minster and The Forbury.
A service was held in the Chain Street church, attended by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, as well as dignitaries and members of the 7th Battalion, the RIFLES.
During the service, readings were given by, among others, James Puxley, the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, and Major Robert Whittle, OC C (Berkshire) Company, 7th Battalion, The RIFLES.
Afterwards, a parade formed up snaking from the Minster through Broad Street and into Market Place where the mayor took a salute.
The procession then headed to the Forbury war memorial for the act of remembrance.
It included the laying of wreaths by dignitaries including the bishop of Reading, politicians including council leader Jason Brock, and Scouts and Guides.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, said it was an honour to lead the two-minute silence.
“I invite residents of Reading, and indeed anybody associated with our town, to join us in remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by members of our armed forces and those who continue to risk their lives today,” she said of the importance of the event.
And Cllr Brock said: “The two separate Remembrance ceremonies taking place in Reading on Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday offer residents of the town the opportunity to join the rest of the nation in paying tribute to the courage shown by the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.
“Reading will never forget the sacrifices that have been made by those who serve, past and present.”
Major Whittle said The 7th Battalion The RIFLES was honoured and proud to be part of the annual remembrance events.
“The Community we are based in has unbreakable links to the Battalion, our Regiment and its antecedents,” he said.
“Today we continue to recruit from, work for, and mark major events such as our national remembrance with the population and its civic representatives.”
For more pictures, see Wednesday’s print edition of Reading Today, on sale in all good newsagents across the borough
