Two services in Paphos to mark Remembrance Day

Two separate services to mark Remembrance Day will be held in Paphos to honour fallen servicemen and women on Sunday November 11 in Peyia and Paphos.

For the fifth year the Royal British Legion Paphos branch invites the public and ex servicemen and women to attend a service at Paphos castle.

Chairman of the branch, Mark Welstead, told the Cyprus Mail that around 2,000 people, both local and tourists, attended last year’s event and 2,500 are expected this year.

Many people wear their military regalia, he said.

“We are asking people to arrive at 9.30am and around 30 motorcycle riders will also be there to show their support,” he added.

The programme will include a bugler, a bagpiper and performances by the TLC school choir and the Zingers. There will also be a solo performance by well known local soprano, Judith Evans Davies and Chris Andre will close the event.

“There will be an official wreath laying ceremony where the public may participate at a focal point we will create,” he said.

Both services will commemorate 100 years since the end of WWI and will include a two minute silence at 11am to remember servicemen and women who have lost their lives in past conflicts.

Welstead said that 200 poppy boxes are out at various shops, hotels and restaurants across Paphos, raising money for the poppy appeal – a charitable initiative to support those in need in Cyprus (veterans and service men and women).

Each year the British Legion commemorates the war dead by selling the poppies for people to wear to show their respect for the fallen soldiers.

Meanwhile, around 600 people are expected to attend the annual Peyia Remembrance Service held at Peyia municipality car park.

Lest we Forget is organised every year by Alan and Barbara Wilson of MARCH (Military and Retired Cyprus Holidays for Heroes), a Paphos-based non-profit organisation that offers holidays for injured or traumatised serving or non-serving military personnel.

Ex-serviceman Wilson said: “There is also participation from the New Testament Community Church. It is held in memory of all those that who gave their lives for their countries during wars conflicts or terrorism.”

The Peyia service will be in a full Cenotaph style, Wilson said, and towards the end of the ceremony there will be an opportunity for the public to lay symbols of remembrance at the foot of the cross.

Attendees need to arrive at Peyia Municipality car park at around 10am on Sunday November 11 to ensure that everyone is seated in time for the commencement of the service at 10.30am.

 

Royal British Legion Paphos branch: branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/paphos, MARCH www.march-cy.org, Tel: 99 850355

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