Remembrance Day in Spain

Photos supplied by PDG Brian Piccolo & PHF Pat Haines

Editorial-story below supplied by PHF Pat Haines

On Sunday 8th. November2015, Jim and I had the privilege of being invited to the SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE in Benajarafe, which is 25kms from Malaga, Spain. PDG Brian Piccolo, who, like Jim and I, travels to Spain, was singing in the Choir, and invited us to join him. The Choir sang some very uplifting songs before the Service began. The Royal British Legion Benajarafe Branch, were the Organisors of the event, which took place under a cool canopy, and sunny skies, overlooking the Mediteranean!! Mr. Anthony Eccleston, Church of England Lay Minister and British Legion Member, conducted the Service. He is an avid Biker and arrived, and left on a very mean Machine!! The Service was very moving, challenging and encouraging. The Royal British Legion of Benajarafe  Standard was paraded, and Wreaths from all 3 Services were laid. People were invited to write a message on wooden crosses, in Memory of a loved one, which were then placed in the Garden of Remembrance.  Both our National Anthem and the Spanish National Anthem were sung and played. There were Readings from both the Old and New Testament, and there were Prayers and rousing Hymns. The Last Post and Reveille were played and the Exhortation was read. At 11 o’c Greenwich mean time, the 2 minute silence was observed. The Minister shared a very thoughtful Message, and gave us much to reflect on.The Service ended with the Kohima Epitaph... ‘’When you go home, tell of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.’’  The Choir then entertained us with some War time songs, and everyone in the Congregation was in very fine voice!! A delicious Lunch followed, with the Med as the back drop, and the Entertainment had many, including Mr. Piccolo, up and dancing!! A Raffle was held to raise money for the British Legion Poppy Appeal, before we all dispersed and went our separate ways. ‘’They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the Morning, we will remember them.’’