THOUSANDS of people turned out for Coventry’s annual Remembrance Parade and Service at the city’s War Memorial Park.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 4621020MMR copyright Bullivant Media
It was a big change from last year when commemorations had to be scaled back because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 4621020MMR copyright Bullivant Media
After the parade made its way from Spencer Park to the Cenotaph in War Memorial Park, a traditional service was led by The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, the Lord Bishop of Coventry.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 4621020MMR copyright Bullivant Media
The Exhortation led into an impeccably-marked two-minute silence, followed by the Kohima Epitatph and the laying of wreaths in memory of and to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 4621020MMR copyright Bullivant Media
Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Armed Forces, emergency services, Members of Parliament, civic representatives and many other groups to remember the fallen.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 4621020MMR copyright Bullivant Media
For the first time ever in Coventry’s history, a purple poppy wreath was laid by Lord Mayor Coun John McNicholas in memory of all those animals who gave their lives during wars over the years. For as long as there has been war animals have served side-by-side, often giving their lives to save others, primarily dogs and horses.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 4621020MMR copyright Bullivant Media
The annual Communal Grave Service also took place at London Road Cemetery this afternoon to remember the civilians who died during the Blitz in 1940.
Coventry was one of the hardest hit areas in the UK by German air raids and since then has led the way as a city of peace and reconciliation.
