Diss Remembrance parade brings community together to remember fallen

Thousands of people gathered across the Diss Express area last weekend, standing silenty in unity to remember those who have fought and died to protect our freedoms.

In the likes of Attleborough, Long Stratton, Eye, Framlingham, Harleston and surrounding towns and villages, wreaths were laid and The Post rang out as communities paid to tribute to Armed Forces personnel.

In Diss on Sunday, a remembrance parade, wreath-laying and church service took place to honour our fallen heroes.

The parade – organised by a committee led by Diss Town Council and including Diss and District Royal British Legion (RBL), the Salvation Army, St Mary’s Church, RAFA, army and air cadets, Diss High School and 1st Diss Scouts – began at Mere’s Mouth, with more than 40 different organisations represented.

In a change to previous years, the wreath-laying ceremony took place in Market Place, with the Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk, Philippa Taylor, and Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay among those paying their respects.

The ceremony was a drumhead service, which dates back to the 1700s, where regimental drums were used to create a makeshift altar for soldiers to reflect before or after combat.

A remembrance service was then held in St Mary’s Church.

Robert Rogers, secretary for the Diss and District RBL, said: “Our thanks go out to so many people; I could fill up a page in the Diss Express just listing them.

“They all know who they are and, of course, we all would like to thank the people of Diss who supported the Poppy Appeal, this commemoration and the businesses who decorated their windows.”

Sarah Villafuerte-Richards, Diss Town Council clerk and chief executive officer, agreed.

“Their support made a profound impact as we honoured the bravery, sacrifice and dedication of our Armed Forces,” she said. “Thank you all for helping to make this day of Remembrance so meaningful.”