Remembering D-Day
On Thursday 6th June, St James Church joined the country in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy with a Service of Commemoration led by Andrew Hill, Church of England Chaplain, Greater London South-East Scouts. It was a poignant service of readings, poems and prayers and was an important reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.
One part of the service that we found especially moving was when we were each given a model soldier and asked to give him a name, think about his life before leaving for war, and then pray for him. Afterwards, we placed our soldier on the stone Chancel steps to signify his landing on the beaches of Normandy. This was followed by the Act of Remembrance and Commitment, the Last Post, Two-Minute Silence, Reveille, and then the placing of a single poppy in a tray of sand.
I think we all left Church feeling humbled by the dedication of duty to Queen and Country by the brave souls who left ours shores not knowing what was to face them. So many gave their lives to uphold our freedom and restore peace, and for that we will be eternally grateful.
Some of the readings and poems were read by the Chairman and members of the newly proposed Royal British Legion North Cray and District Branch. There was previously a North Cray Branch but sadly it closed some years ago. However, their Standard still hangs with pride in our Church.
Hopefully, by the time you read this magazine, the North Cray and District Branch will have been informed that their application to form a branch has been ratified by the Royal British Legion. How wonderful it will be to once more have a local branch. We wish them well in the important work they do.
If you would like to find out more about the North Cray and District Branch, please contact Nicola Coppen at: otter1stnorthcray@outlook.com or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/RBLNorthCrayDistrict.
Maxine & Suzy, Churchwardens