HUNDREDS of people across south Essex have united to recognise everything veterans have done for this country at Armed Forces Day.
Today, Southend, Basildon, and Castle Point all held events to pay tribute to personnel past, present and future as part of an annual tradition.
In Southend, there was a procession of serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and cadets followed by a gunfire and two-minute silence.
The Southend Band paid a short concert at the conclusion of the service.
The band is a traditional British brass band that was founded back in the Edwardian Age. They rehearse weekly and make more than a dozen public appearances during the course of the year.
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They played for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations a year ago, and a part in the national mourning when she sadly died.
The Southend Band has also been linked with Southend Armed Forces Day even year since 2012, leading the singing – “come rain or shine”.
Nick Quarrell, chair of The Southend Band, said: “It is an extraordinary privilege to play the Last Post to honour those who had given military service to preserve our sovereignty and way of life.”
Earlier in the week, Basildon proudly raised a flag in the town centre.
Today, they also held a celebration and a parade to cheer on serving personnel, veterans, and cadets.
Don Sheppard, a 103-year-old Basildon war hero, was part of the celebrations in Basildon today.
The 103-year-old was called up for service in the Second World War at the age of 20 and took part in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.
He went on to enjoy a hugely successful career in the armed forces and was chairman of the Normandy Veterans’ Association in Southend for more than 20 years.
Don said the annual Armed Forces event is always so important.
He said: “It is so important to have this day each year to celebrate and remember the brave and courageous service men and women.
“To also see the cadets as they start their journey of services with pride and for the general public to show their support and gain an understanding of what it is like to be a part of our armed forces.”
In Castle Point, celebrations took place on Canvey, organised by the town council.
There was a parade from the Paddocks War Memorial, following by a family fun day with entertainment, stalls, and children’s attractions.
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