Hackney pays tribute to the fallen in moving Remembrance Sunday parade

Hackney residents and political leaders joined ex-servicemen and women yesterday in honouring the fallen at the borough’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony.

Hackney Speaker Cllr Michael Desmond led a procession of around 200 people from the Town Hall to St-John-at-Hackney Church – in tribute to those who have given their lives in the line of duty in the 107 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

The parade was accompanied by sombre music from the Jewish Lads and Girls’ Brigade band.

People of all faiths and backgrounds gathered for the event, including representatives from the ex-services association, reservists, sea, army and air cadets, scouts, guides and police.

When the march reached the church, Cllr Desmond laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, and faith leaders from across the borough gave readings, before all paid their respects during the two minutes’ silence.

Reverend Al Gordon led a moving church service attended by hundreds of people, including Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and local MPs Meg Hillier and Diane Abbott.

The parade then made its way back to Hackney Town Hall for the traditional march-past and salute.

Cllr Desmond said: “The Remembrance Sunday Service was a very moving occasion. It was heartening to see so many people come together to pay tribute to our fallen service men and women – who made a great sacrifice in the World Wars and all the conflict since. They must not be forgotten.”