Annual Memorial Service at Canterbury 10th July 2015



Annual Service at Italy Star Association’s National Memorial, Westgate Gardens, Canterbury, Kent

Friday 10th July 2015

 

Over sixty of us gathered on a beautiful sunny day – 72 years on from the commencement of the Italian campaign.  We met at the Association’s national memorial in Canterbury, Kent, to remember our fallen comrades and commemorate the date.

The service was led by the Chaplain, The Very Reverend Dr Michael Chandler.  Sally Waters, Mayor of Canterbury, gave words of welcome – she acknowledged the aims of the Association and hoped we continued to visit the city, offering us support and encouragement for work done and our continued work in future years.

Reverend Kevin Maddy (priest at St Stephens Church, Canterbury), gave an address based on the bible reading of Revelation Chapter. 22 vs 1-5.  He prayed that we would be blessed with the fruits of the tree of life and that its leaves would bring healing in any situation.  A really powerful address, in my personal opinion.

Frank Horn read the exhortation which preceded wreath laying, led by our President Colonel David Blum.  Last Post and Reveille were sounded and silence was observed whilst we remembered our fallen comrades, veterans past and present, giving thanks for their lives.

Service finished with the National anthem and a final prayer blessing from the Chaplain.

A few of those present had to leave, but the majority of the gathering (51 actually!), retired to the Victoria Hotel (as in previous years) for a lovely lunch, much chatter and comradeship.

My grateful thanks to Frank Horn and members of East Kent branch for their hard work in organising the service.

Thank you also to all those who made the journey to take part in and support this annual service.

Mary Tidy

National Chairman

2 Comments

  1. frederick purvis

    hi I came across this
    italy star memorial on a visit from London 29/06/2016 met a chap there who served in Italy as did my father who was killed september 44 is the next reunion august would info thank you

    Reply
    1. Robin HollambyRobin Hollamby

      Hi Frederick,
      The following are the next national dates for the Italy star Association events.
      Sunday 10th July, National Memorial Service in Westgate Gardens Canterbury Kent at 1pm.
      Friday 9th September, Rededication Service of the new Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas at 11am.
      Thursday 10th November, Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey London (ticket only unless spectating from the road).
      Sunday 13th November, Cenotaph Parade and Service in Whitehall London (ticket only to take part in the parade, roadside spectating and participation of the event in of course free).
      There are no plans as yet for a reunion for 2017 (the 2016 reunion having taken place during May this year as is our custom).
      I hope that you find the above information useful.
      Regards,
      Robin

      Reply

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