Hackney remembers those fallen in battle

Remembrance Sunday: Hackney's procession sets off along Mare Street on its way to the Church. Photo: Olivia Harris / Hackney Council

Hackney paid its respects last weekend (Sunday 14 November) to the men and women of the borough that have given their lives during military service with a special Remembrance Sunday parade and church service.

The tribute , organised by the Royal British Legion in conjunction with Hackney Council and St John at Hackney Church, was led by Councillor Sally Mulready, the speaker of Hackney, who was joined by over 200 veterans, cadets and reservists.

Representatives also attended from the  Salvation Army, among other associations, as well as other local councillors.

Those attending formed a procession which wound its way from Reading Lane to the Cenotaph at St John at Hackney Church in Lower Clapton Road.

Councillor Mulready laid a wreath at the church to commemorate those who have died whilst fighting in the military, followed by a service led by the church rector, Father Rob Wickham.

The church service was also attended by local dignitaries which included the Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe and Hackney MPs Meg Hillier and Diane Abbott.During the service, Councillor Mulready read out an extract from Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech on becoming President of South Africa, ‘to remind us all we must continue to strive for peace, equality and justice’.

The procession then continued after the service through Lower Clapton Road and Mare Street to finish with a salute taken by the Queen’s representative to Hackney, Lt. Col. Morriss, and dignitaries at the Town Hall.

Another wreath of poppies was then placed by the War Memorial. A commemorative wreath was also laid in the vestibule of the Stoke Newington Library by the deputy speaker of Hackney, Councillor Linda Kelly.

Councillor Mulready said of the event: “It is an honour to represent Hackney on Remembrance Sunday, as it remains terribly important that we do not forget the sacrifices made by the people who lost their lives during the World Wars. We must also remember all those who have fought in wars since and who are doing so today.”

“I would particularly like to give special mention to the men and women from Hackney, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.”