A NEW pair of ‘silent soldiers’ have been added in tribute to the fallen at Looe’s War Memorial.
Three years ago, local Royal British Legion (RBL) members David Massey and Karol Nachilo produced two silhouette soldiers and crosses, to stand as a permanent visual reminder at the riverside memorial. It was part of a national initiative commemorating the anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Recently, David and Karol removed the soldiers and crosses for refurbishment, and took the opportunity to produce two more of the figures, which now gives four, one for each corner of the war memorial railings.
“Our branch would like to express our appreciation of David and Karol’s hard work,” said a spokesperson for Looe RBL.
“We’d also like to thank the Looe branch of Jewsons for donating the materials to produce the soldiers and crosses.”
Activities for Remembrancetide will take place in Looe this year but will be low-key. The town council and RBL feel that now is not the time to hold large events; however, there will still be the opportunity to pay respects and to join in remotely with organised services.
On Remembrance Day, November 11, a small ceremony will be staged by Looe RBL and will be live streamed on the Looe Town Council Facebook page. The service will start at around 10.45am with a two-minute silence at 11am.
There will be no parade for Remembrance Sunday on November 14.
Organisations and individuals are invited to lay wreaths in the week before (avoiding November 11). Looe RBL will again be holding a small ceremony, which again will be live streamed.
A spokesperson for Looe RBL said: “The ceremony at Looe War Memorial will start at approximately 10.45am. Everyone is welcome to attend but the latest COVID-19 regulations must be maintained.
Poppy wreaths
“There will be two minutes silence at eleven o’clock and a bugler to play the ‘Last Post’. “Although there will be no formal laying of poppy wreaths, they can still be handed in at the ceremony for display at the memorial. Alternatively, wreaths can be laid outside of the ceremony by organisations, or individuals, at a time and date, near to Remembrance Sunday, that is convenient to them.”
Poppy wreaths for next month’s Armistice commemorations can be obtained from the Looe Royal British Legion by phoning Poppy Appeal organisers, David and Annette Bryan, on 01503 264130. David and Annette say they would also like to hear from anyone who is willing to help with the Poppy Appeal collection this year.