Yahoo News Touched Bedworth Armistice committee 'over the moon' after 2024 parade and service
Touched Bedworth Armistice committee's chairman said he was 'over the moon' after the 2024 parade and service. Ken Whitehead, who heads up the incredible committee who organise the annual event, said he was once again stunned.
More than 300 people took part in the parade that marched through the heart of the town centre. Not to be outdone, the crowds that lined High Street and Sergeant Simon Valentine Way were out in force too.
It made for quite the sight, one which Mr Whitehead: "I am over the moon, to see so many people, it's brilliant."
READ MORE: I went to Bedworth Armistice Day Parade 2024 and heard the most remarkable story
In keeping with the proud tradition of being the 'town that never forgets', the whole of the town fell silent to observe the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This perfectly observed silence was in stark contrast to the sound of the bands who played in the parade as well as the applause of the crowds.
Tim Cox, the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, shared the committee chairman's pride at Bedworth's turn-out when he spoke during the service. "Thank you to everyone who supports this very special day, as I look out to see the huge crowds it is obvious that Bedworth will never forget."
There were several changes to the service. One was that the podium was brought closer to the street so that the crowds could see the speakers. The other new was a new addition - a choir - which was made up of singers from Bedworth as well as neighbouring Bulkington, Nuneaton and Coventry. They bolstered the songs during the service.
Sadly, there was no poppy drop over the town centre this year. But red poppies were scattered not only within the cemetery but also by the town's poignant peace podium from poppy cannons.
These poppies danced in the light winds which blew around the cemetery during the service. Their appearance also brought cheers and amazement to the many youngsters who had lined the streets - from school pupils to little ones in pushchairs.
They are the next generation of townsfolk who will take on the mantle of those before them and continue Bedworth's legacy of being the only place outside of London to have continuously observed Armistice Day - and does so with immense pride.
