Veterans perform Act of Remembrance at Hastings Cemetery

It being the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2; 80 years since the Battle of Britain; and 100 years since the Unknown Warrior was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, HSVA decided at short notice to hold an open-air Service of Remembrance for Armistice Day at "the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" when in 1918 the guns fell silent, to take place at the Memorial at Hastings Cemetery, which bears the legend "Their Name liveth for evermore". With guidance from Hastings Borough Council officers & others, and permission from the Hastings Crematorium & Cemetery, a dozen HSVA members and their families together with employees of 'Cem & Crem' and members of the public gathered in compliance with the rules from HMG, i.e. masked & distanced, for the short Parade & Service.

Before the appointed hour, the Queen's Colour plus the Standards of HSVA and the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) were marched on, and the Rev.David Hill, 'padre' to HSVA members, readied those present with prayers for the men & women and families of those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice, those wounded, and those left mentally scarred from World War 1 and all Wars since. He then gave the Exhortation "They shall not grow old ... " for the 2-minute Silence, which was observed following the sounding of the 'Last Post' with the lowering of Standards and Salutes from all assembled . When 'Reveille' sounded, Standards were raised and the Epitaph "When you go home ..." was given, followed by the laying of a wreath by HSVA founder-member Phil Bedford. Further prayers, including "Our Father" were said before the final blessing given.

The Queens Colour, saluted as it passed, was marched off by Bryan Hunter, and the Standards HSVA by Stuart Murphy, and RAFA for the last time by Richard Butcher. The Parade was then dismissed, concluding proceedings within the 15 minutes allowed by the 'Covid Rules'.