Submitted by Val Hiscock on
‘They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them”. Those few words used on Remembrance Sunday, 10th November 2019, at services up and down the land are so familiar, yet always said with reverence and solemnity, as Britain and the Commonwealth pay their respects to the fallen of two World Wars and other armed conflicts since.
The Commandery of King Offa was proud to be represented at the war memorial in Nottingham on Remembrance Sunday this year in the presence of members of the armed forces, civic dignitaries, religious leaders and other voluntary and charitable organisations from our area.
Towards the end of the service, the National Anthem was sung and wreaths were laid, including one by the Commander on behalf of our Order in the Midlands. We were there to say ‘thank you’ to those who have gone before us, to pray for peace in the world, and to be witnesses to the aims of our Order and therefore to Christ himself, and Our Lady and St Lazarus, our Patrons.
The ‘icing on the cake’ during this memorable occasion was the recognition received from Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Nottinghamshire, appointed by The Queen in July 2012. Sir John came over to our contingent to say how delighted he was to see The Commandery of King Offa once again represented.
Our duty done, our members attending mingled with the crowd in the bright autumnal sun, answering questions about the activities of the Order, followed by a delightful lunch at Welbeck Hall, in West Bridgford, Nottingham.