'We will remember them' - Mansfield pays its respects on Remembrance Sunday

A special recognition was made to mark the centenary commemoration of 100 years since Armistice Day - the official end of the First World War on November 11, 1918.

The commemoration began at Mansfield Civic Centre where dignitaries from local and national government, the armed forces, Mansfield's public sector and army veterans lay wreaths at the town's cenotaph.

An armed forces parade then marched from the cenotaph through Mansfield town centre, where hundreds of residents watched on as the drums and bagpipes led the parade onto St Peter's Church for the remembrance service.

Dignitaries then made their way into Mansfield's market place to salute fallen soldiers from all conflicts since Armistice Day 100 years ago.

Ex-serviceman Graham Sherratt, aged 55, served as an Infanteer in the army for 22 years, and said coming out to pay his respects is "incredibly important".

He said: "After serving as an infanteer until 2005 I feel I have to come down every year and pay my respects to the bravery of all soldiers past and present.

"I served four tours in Ireland, and in Bosnia, during my time, and now my son is doing an exercise in the Middle East, so it's part of my identity.

"I think this year is particularly poignant with it being 100 years since Armistice, and seeing so many people and kids here today and the parade going through town it all just looked very special - it's something I love to see."

Another former solider, Peter Mutton, aged 73, served in the Northumberland Fusiliers and came into town with his grand kids to pay their respects.

He said: "I came down today with my grand kids to see the parade, pay my respects and then take them out for some lunch.

""The centenary is a massive occasion, though for me I think it's important to remember everyone who has died in conflict, not just those who died in the First World War.

"It is also important every year to pay your respects in what ever way you can, the bravery of soldiers who went to conflict should always be remembered."

James Griffiths, a history teacher at Queen Elizabeth's Academy, joined the parade with his son and thinks bringing children to Remembrance events is key to "keeping the stories alive".

He said: "Today is about national unity, about coming together and remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers and how these sacrifices have made everything possible today.

"I think it is also incredibly important to bring children along to these events, to teach them about the wars and how influential the conflicts have been to today.

"Only then can we continue these stories and make sure they are never forgotten."

Connor Goulding was at the wreath laying ceremony at Mansfield Civic Centre on behalf of the Sea Cadets and the Royal Navy Association, leading the cadets on the parade through to St Peter's Church.

He said: "For me remembrance means creating a vigil to those who have sacrificed so much in the past, leaving their lives behind to go to war for their country.

"On my part is it also about bringing the cadets along for the parade, teaching them about respect, about what to wear, who they should be and that they should respect the people of old."

Also at the wreath laying ceremony was resident Karen McQuone, aged 45, from Kirkby, came to support her daughter in the cadets and believes this year's commemoration is very "poignant".

She said: "I came to support my daughter today but I have done this myself for many many years.

"Today is about remembering people who took the biggest sacrifice of all and lay their life on the line in all conflicts, but particularly today in the First World War.

"I think that's what makes today more poignant, the centenary is a time of reflection."