Sunday morning 11th November 10.40am
Armistace Day Parade – Falmouth
Pipers: Nigel, Alex, Rob, Miranda, Keith G, Ian, Chris, David, Tony, Mike
Drummers: Snare – James, Tom W, Bass – Keith Ives
There were to be ten pipers with three drummers for the Falmouth parade and by 9.30 all had arrived in the Quarry car park and were finalising their dressing in No 1s with Glengarries. During rehearsals at 9.50 there was a brief spell of rain and thoughts of wearing capes ensued but it then passed.
At 1045 the Kernow Band led the assembled Parade up the long road to the Memorial Park and Cenotaph. Tunes included in the day were Green Hills, Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave, Marie’s Wedding, and the British Legion Set comprising Pack up your Troubles, It’s a long way to Tipperary and Keep the Home Fires Burning.
After the standard bearers, there were representatives of the Armed Forces, Cadets, Girl Guides, Sea Scouts, Sea Cadets, Fire Service, Lifeboats, MPs, other organisations and the Mayoral party and Dignitaries. Once assembled around the Cenotaph there was the announcement that as there was no electricity, there would be no microphone and “would everyone please speak up?”
The service, of half an hour’s duration, included the laying of the wreaths, prayers, a short sermon by the Mayor’s Chaplain and the well known quotation “They shall not grow old …….. was said. The bugler played the Last Post and the 2 minutes’ silence began at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month – a poignant moment as people remembered those they had lost in recent and past conflicts. Representatives of the different organisations were called to lay their wreaths by the Cenotaph. After “Any other Person” was invited to lay their wreath, the congregation sang “The Lord’s my Shepherd”.
The Chaplain spoke of the significance of the Poppy as in the poppies in Flanders Fields. At 11.30 the parade was brought to attention, a Blessing was given and the Parade marched back to the Moor where Dignitaries awaited. The Mayor walked around talking to the assembled participants and at 12pm after God Save the Queen the Parade was dismissed.
The morning had come to a close – the Band looked so good – their sound was so sweet – the marching in time – to the drums and their beat – the onlookers applauded – some with hearts still bereft – as the Ceremony ended – and the Dignitaries left……… and so we went on to Truro for their Armistice Day Parade.
