THIS IS WHEN IT MATTERS MOST: TIME TO REMEMBER

Remembrance Sunday services have been held across Wales

Former and serving members of the armed forces, cadets and civilian services and members of the public came together to pay their respects


Sunday 13th November 2016:

Wales fell silent this morning as thousands of people united in remembrance of those who lost their lives in conflict.

Wales’ national Remembrance Sunday event took place in Cardiff, with detachments from the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets and Civilian Services marching to the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park.

This year marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, which ended on 18th November 1916.

Former and serving members of the armed forces, cadets and civilians came together as thousands united in Cardiff and across Wales to remember those killed in conflicts past and present.

First Minister Carwyn Jones and council leader Phil Bale were among dignitaries laying wreaths at the Cenotaph in Cardiff, along with representatives from across the country.

The First Minister said: “This year’s Welsh National Service of Remembrance is especially poignant as we commemorate 100 years since the Battle of the Somme.

"It is important we take the opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, paying the ultimate price for our freedom. Those who fought bravely for our futures must never be forgotten.”

Coun Bale said: "The Welsh National Service of Remembrance gives Cardiff and indeed the whole of Wales an important opportunity for reflection and to express gratitude for the sacrifice made by service men and women over the years so that we can enjoy living in a free society.

“As a city council the great sacrifice that the Armed Forces make for the citizens of Cardiff is remembered throughout the year and not just on Remembrance Sunday.”

The leader of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood said: “On Remembrance Sunday, we remember the millions who have lost their lives in conflicts all over the world.

“It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to all forces veterans and those who continue to risk their lives today."

She added: “Today should not be used as a justification of war. Rather, let us unite in remembrance of all those wasted lives, and promise to work together for a more peaceful world.”

Members of the emergency services also paid their respects, including officers from South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service and the RNLI.

Services were also held at towns and cities across the nation, including Aberystwyth, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport.

The Wales football team also paid their Remembrance Day respects by attending a service near their training grounds in Pontyclun.

Chris Gunter, Neil Taylor and Jonathan Williams joined Chris Coleman to lay wreaths at the Pontyclun war memorial.

Wales' manager Chris Coleman, Chris Gunter along with Neil Taylor and Jonathan Williams laid wreaths at the Pontyclun war memorial on Remembrance Sunday to remember those that lost their lives in the two Great Wars

The Queen led commemorations at the Cenotaph in London, along with the Prime Minister Theresa May and other party leaders.

For the third year, falling poppies were projected on to Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben in London, from dusk on Remembrance Sunday.

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