People in Penzance honoured the fallen at a Service of Remembrance on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November.
Held in the Memorial Garden, Penlee Park, and organised by Penzance Council, the short service was led by Revd Derath Durkin and featured The Lord’s Prayer in Cornish recited by Judith Lawrence.
Following a two-minute silence, the words of the Kohima Epitaph were said by veteran Robert Bolitho.
Around 50 people gathered in the garden, including pupils from St Mary’s C of E Primary School and firefighters from Penzance Community Fire Station.
Welcoming everyone to the service, Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds said:
“Welcome to this final Act of Remembrance in Penzance for this, the 80th anniversary year of the ending of the Second World War. It’s fitting that we should meet here in the Memorial Garden in Penlee Park which was acquired by public subscription 79 years ago by the people of Penzance as a war memorial. I’d like to thank Robert Bolitho, James Hardy Town Clerk, Revd Derath Durkin, and Judith Lawrence for taking part in today’s ceremony and to the Gardening Team at Penzance Council for keeping this Memorial Garden so immaculate.”
The Mayor’s Chaplain, Revd Derath Durkin continued:
“Armistice Day commemorates the end of World War One, on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, in 1918. It has been widened over the years to remember and honour all those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts since then. We will reflect on the extraordinary courage of our Armed Forces, and all men and women who died for their countries. We give thanks to God that, because of them, we in this country can enjoy and cherish our freedom. However, we do also pray for those in countries who are still suffering the atrocities of war or conflict to this day.”
