THE Monmouth community came together today (November 11) to honour those who lost their lives serving the country and remember those currently in the Armed Forces.

The Remembrance service was held at the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) grounds at Monmouth Castle, attended by residents, veterans and local dignitaries.

The service began with an introduction from Padre Birch, who led the congregation in remembering those who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

At 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month a silence was held for two minutes across Monmouth and and beyond to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our country.

Padre Birch reflected on the service and sacrifice of the soldiers the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) who fell in the two world wars and other conflicts bravery.

The service included the laying of wreaths, honour and reflection. The community brought the service to a close singing a verse of the British National Anthem, God Save the King and The Welsh National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

Mayor of Monmouth, Cllr Rob Barrell laying a wreath on Armistice Day.
Mayor of Monmouth, Cllr Rob Barrell laying a wreath on Armistice Day. (Iliffe Media )

Left Lieutenant Col Little, told The Beacon: “Remembrance Day is a very personal thing to all of my troops and who we represent. It is something that is part of the fabric of our regiment for 487 years.

“It gives us that opportunity to pause in the busyness of operational commitments to reflect and remember our fallen comrades.

“Remembrance Day has two sides to it. One is remembering my friends and colleagues who have passed when we have been on operations and in the service of our Crown, and the coming together of our friends and soldiers, remembering all the good that captures our regiment.”

Lots of people gather for Armistice Day in Monmouth.
Monmouth honours the fallen on Armistice Day. (Iliffe Media)

A Past Mayor of Monmouth and Veteran, David Evans, said: “For me, this is intensely personal. As a veteran, there have been too many funerals I have been too. I remember named individuals, guys on the squadron who just didn’t come back.

“It’s personal for me and my family.”

Mayor of Monmouth, Cllr Rob Barrell, said: “I remember their sacrifice and for the people of Monmouth I would like to express our sincere gratitude.”