11 Nov 07 - Rememberance Sunday
On Sunday the 11th November, 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron ATC, proudly paraded at Spa Garden and through Ripon in this years act of remembrance. We had an excellent turnout, parading 17 cadets in all.
Two cadets came out of the ranks to act as standard bearers in the parade. Cdt Coates parading our own squadron standard and Sgt Thornton, stepping out of blue uniform and into the black suit and beret of the Royal British Legion, to parade Ripon branch's Legion standard. The two of them paraded with 4 other standard bearers, all of whom dipped their standards with pride to the last post, and the national anthem.
The main body of cadets, was split into two contingents for the first half of the parade in spa gardens. Some were aligned in a horseshoe around the war memorial, holding wreaths ready to be given to those laying them during the service. Our own wreath being laid by Cpl Wray. It must be said that A/Sgt Cobbet did an excellent job coordinating the laying of the wreaths, even with the late arrival of certain wreath layers. The other cadets were formed up in a squad, smartly standing to attention to acknowledge those we remember.
The second part of the parade was the march through Ripon market square, to the cathedral. An entire regiment of royal engineers was formed up on the road, ready to march off. The standards, along with a squad of veterans, air cadets and army cadets, formed up inside the spa gardens, ready to follow on after the army marched past. When each section of the parade reached the market square, the all famous eyes left was given to acknowledge the mayor and high ranking officers, waiting to see the parade march past.
After the march past, the parade marched onto the cathedral, where everyone quickly made their way inside the cathedral, apart from 7 people. Those seven, being the standard bearers and their drill instructor. The standards formed a guard of honour either side of the cathedral entrance. The mayor, among many other important people, were to enter the cathedral through the standards. When everyone was inside, the standards then formed two lines, and slow marched down then aisle of the cathedral. When they reached the end, they handed over their standards to be placed either side of the alter, apart from one. The Royal British Legion, Ripon Branch standard, carried by Sgt Thornton, was laid across the alter. This being the standard representing the city of Ripon on this occasion. The service then began, with hymns being sung, and reading being made. The standards were then collected, and dipped again for the national anthem. They then marched out of the cathedral, and formed another guard for all people leaving to go through.
Non-Army Personnel who marched in the parade then informally made their way to some well deserved refreshments. Thanks go out to all those who participated, and supported this years remembrance Sunday.
