Oldest Veteran and Youngest Child Highlight Power of Remembrance

The communities of Staple Hill and Mangotsfield came together in impressive numbers on Sunday to honour the fallen at their annual Remembrance services and parades. Residents lined the streets as veterans, serving personnel, youth groups, community organisations and families marched to pay their respects.

This year’s events were among the best attended in recent years, reflecting the strong local commitment to remembrance. A particularly touching moment came when the oldest veteran on parade marched alongside the youngest child taking part, a symbolic reminder that remembrance belongs to every generation.

Behind the scenes, months of planning took place to deliver both events safely and respectfully. Volunteers coordinated road closures, liaised with police and council teams, prepared routes, organised wreath-layers, supported the standards on parade, and managed countless other details to ensure a smooth and dignified day.

The Staple Hill & District Branch of the Royal British Legion expressed its gratitude to everyone involved; from volunteers and parade marshals to the local groups who took part and the residents who came out to show their respect.

“We were incredibly proud to see so many people from Staple Hill and Mangotsfield come together for this year’s Remembrance services and parades. These events mean a great deal to our community, and they simply wouldn’t happen without the dedication of our volunteers, who work for months behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.

One of the most moving moments this year was seeing our oldest veteran, Graham on parade walking alongside the youngest child laying the first wreath, a powerful reminder that remembrance spans every generation. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, supported, or helped organise the day, and we look forward to welcoming even more people next year.”

Ian Campbell - Chair of Staple Hill and District Branch of the Royal British Legion

Preparations for next year’s commemorations will begin early in the new year, and the Branch welcomes anyone who wishes to support or volunteer.

Images, courtesy of Herbie Hocking, can be found by clicking the button below.

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