With hours to go before August 2014 dawns bringing with it remembrance of the events of August 1914, people from across the county joined together today (July 30) to show their respects and to pay tribute to Wiltshire’s fallen soldiers at a special First World War Commemoration.
Wiltshire Council and the military worked together to organise this special event, which took place at Tidworth Military Cemetery.
Wiltshire communities were provided with a unique opportunity to recognise and remember the sacrifice made by 10,000 armed forces personnel from the county who lost their lives during the First World War.
Each fallen soldier was represented on a named cross and placed on a wall of remembrance which provided the focus for the service.
The crosses were made by thousands of local school children across the county and each soldier’s name was meticulously researched.
There were school children at the event with some placing crosses on the wall of remembrance.
Tidworth Military Cemetery was chosen as an appropriate location for today’s event as it holds 417 First World War graves.
Wiltshire Council leader, Jane Scott, said: “This was a really unique event and I’d like to thank everyone who came to the cemetery today to show their respects and be part of the remembrance ceremony.”
“The wall of remembrance was particularly poignant and portrayed how many people sacrificed their life in the First World War. The school children, who helped put the wall together did a fantastic job and I would thank them for their hard work.”
“We must never forget the sacrifice made by so many to preserve our freedom and I hope today will be a lasting memory for all who attended. It certainly will be for me.”