Mayor of Chelmsford and residents pay respects to fallen heroes

Chelmsford’s Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade 2023 took place yesterday (12 November) outside the Chelmsford War Memorial on Duke Street.

Residents and members of the Royal British Legion joined the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Linda Mascot, for the event, which paid tribute to Armed Forces of past and present.

The mayor was also joined by Chelmsford Air Cadet, Sgt Walledge, who was recently appointed as the first City of Chelmsford Mayor’s Cadet. The service was Sgt Walledge’s first Civic engagement since her appointment as the mayor’s cadet for 2023.

Chelmsford’s Remembrance Service and Parade 2023, including The Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Linda Mascot, with Consort Ian Mascot (left) and new Mayoral Cadet for 2023–24, Sgt Walledge (right). Pictures: Paul Starr

The Very Rev’d Paul Kennington Interim Dean of Chelmsford led the service, with input from Chelmsford’s religious and community groups.  

Following the opening prayer, representatives from the Boys Brigade and the Chelmsford branch of the Royal British Legion gave a reading of the mournful and well-known war poem ‘For the Fallen’.

The Last Post was then played by Chelmsford Salvation Army Band, before the maroons were fired. Duke Street then fell silent in a two-minute reflection in honour of those who have lost their lives during conflicts.

A series of prayers and readings were then given by the interim dean; the mayor; the mayor’s chaplain, Pastor James Bell; and representatives from Chelmsford Muslim Society, Chelmsford Jewish Community, Chelmsford Hindu Society, and Sikhs of Chelmsford.

Afterwards, the mayor laid the first poppy wreath at the war memorial, on behalf of the citizens of Chelmsford. Military and community group representatives then laid further wreaths at the foot of the memorial.

A series of prayers and readings were then given by the interim dean; the mayor; the mayor’s chaplain, Pastor James Bell; and representatives from Chelmsford Muslim Society, Chelmsford Jewish Community, Chelmsford Hindu Society, and Sikhs of Chelmsford.

Afterwards, the mayor laid the first poppy wreath at the war memorial, on behalf of the citizens of Chelmsford. Military and community group representatives then laid further wreaths at the foot of the memorial.