MAY I, through your column, pay tribute to the hundreds ? no, dare I say thousands ? of people from Tavistock and surrounding villages who turned out on Sunday November 14 to pay their respects and to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice; to remember the inestimable debt we all owe to those who gave their lives to protect our freedom. As the parade approached the War Memorial, wave upon wave of people could be seen, from babies in arms to elderly war veterans. One old soldier, well into his 80s, was marching beside me keeping perfect step with the aid of his walking stick, medals jangling, head held high. The ceremony itself was as poignant as it was traditional. As 11am approached the whole congregation fell silent. Even the babies in arms ? as if for some inexplicable reason ? realised the solemnity of the occasion. To say that the ceremony was an unqualified success is an understatement, and this is due in no small part to the following, whom the Royal British Legion thanks most sincerely: Robbie and Caroline Dobbie who again produced, free of charge, the order of service; Mr Collacott who again provided the PA system, free of charge, as he has done for the last 25 years; to the Stannary Band who led the parade and who put in a performance of the highest standard; to the police and West Devon Borough Council for their help and co-operation; to Preb John Rawlings, the Rev Roger Cornish and Minister Jeff Moules, who conducted the service, and of course to all who attended, the young and not so young, who made it a day to remember. Thank you. S J May Branch Secretary Royal British Legion
