Remembrance Day services attended by hundreds in Barking
Speeches were made by Cllr Darren Rodwell, BishopTrevor Mwamba and Al-Madina Mosque representative Mohammed Kamran - Credit: Archant
Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell led the borough’s first memorial service today ahead of Armistice Day.
A diverse crowd of hundreds including veterans, bikers, office workers and families congregated by the statue of Victoria Cross recipient Job Drain next to Broadway Theatre, Barking, at 11am.
A two-minute silence proceeded speeches by Cllr Rodwell, Bishop Trevor Mwamba and student Mohammed Kamran, representing Al-Madina Mosque, who spoke about the importance of unity and love.
In his speech, Cllr Darren Rodwell paid respect to those who gave the “ultimate sacrifice they could give” for their country.
Brian Moody, 63, and his brother, Barry, 70, said they were “exceptionally proud” of their grandfather, who received the UK’s highest medal of valour in the First World War after retrieving guns from near the enemy line.
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Brian said: “We look forward to coming down every year.”
Elsewhere at 11am, the Dagenham British Legion held a short service at the War Memorial in Dagenham Village.
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Schoolchildren assisted with the laying of wreaths while flags were lowered by ex-servicemen.
