While Sunday’s nationwide focus of Remembrance was as soon as once more on the Cenotaph in London, the place the United Kingdom paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of British and Commonwealth servicemen and girls, a really particular ceremony additionally happened right here in Spain, on the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras, the place veterans, residents, and guests gathered to honour those that gave their all for freedom.
At the southern finish of the Costa Blanca and the Mar Menor, the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal Naval Association as soon as once more rose to the event, guaranteeing this years’ service upheld the identical excessive requirements which have lengthy outlined the Mil Palmeras custom.
Now in its seventeenth yr, the occasion continues to develop in energy and spirit, bringing collectively folks of all ages and nationalities in a heartfelt act of remembrance and unity.
Joining over 500 veterans on the service was Sr. D. Rafael Torrecillas del Prado, Capitan de Navío, from Alicante, together with Francisco (Paco) Canovas Master Sargent Spanish Air Force Retired.
They had been accompanied by the mayor of Pilar de la Horadada and native councillors from all sides of the political spectrum. Senior members of the Guardia Civil and Policia Local had been additionally in attendance as was the British Vice Consul from Alicante, Sara Munsterhjelm.
Leading the service was Pastor Phil Molloy of the Cornerstone Pentecostal Evangelical Church in Pilar de la Horadada, who delivered a deeply significant sermon that blended solemn reflection with hope for a extra peaceable world.
Speaking in each English and Spanish, Pastor Molloy reminded the congregation of the significance of defending our freedoms and defending our lifestyle, whereas protecting alive the flame of hope and gratitude for individuals who have served, and proceed to serve, in the reason for peace.
Before the service started, the sound of the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums stuffed the air as they proudly led a parade of requirements representing the Royal Navy, Submariners Association, RBL and different service organisations.
Their stirring music set the tone for a morning of satisfaction and reflection.
Inside the packed church, readings had been delivered by Mayor Jose Maria Perez Sanchez, British Vice Consul Sara Munsterhjelm, Shirly Moritz, Tony and Maureen Jenkins, and Nicola Louden. Branch Chair Tony Jenkins led The Act of Remembrance, whereas Maureen Jenkins gave a transferring studying of In Flanders Fields, and Walter Shatford recited The Kohima Epitaph.
Music performed a central function within the service. Cindy Fitzpatrick gave a soulful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Ian Gibson of the JB Just Brass Band carried out The Last Post and Reveille with precision and charm, and former Welsh Guards Pipe Major Brian Day delivered a haunting efficiency of Hector the Hero.
The Costa Blanca International Concert Band, underneath Musical Director Jeremy Davies, offered the hymn accompaniment, a band that has faithfully supported the Mil Palmeras service in a single type or one other for almost 20 years.
A very touching second got here when Leticia Bergmann carried the Peace Candle to the altar and recited the Children’s Citation for Peace in each English and Spanish, a strong image of hope for future generations.
Following the singing of the National Anthems of Spain and the United Kingdom, the congregation moved to the International Garden of Remembrance. There, the mayor led dignitaries and visitors as they laid wreaths in silent tribute earlier than members of the general public added their very own poppy crosses, a sea of crimson that spoke volumes of affection, loss, and gratitude. Three pipers performed softly as the gang stood united in reflection.
As the service concluded, the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums as soon as once more struck up, main veterans, visitors, and members of the general public from the chapel to the Mil Palmeras Olympia Restaurant, the place dialog, camaraderie, and remembrance continued over refreshments, a becoming near a day of group spirit and togetherness.
What started over a century in the past as a commemoration for these misplaced within the First World War has advanced right into a common tribute, not solely to those that have fallen, but in addition to all who proceed to try for peace, freedom, and justice in our world right this moment.
The Mil Palmeras Remembrance Service as soon as once more proved that even removed from residence, the flame of remembrance burns brightly on the Costa Blanca, a testomony to unity, gratitude, and enduring hope.
And as soon as once more, heartfelt thanks go to the Ayuntamiento of Pilar de la Horadada and to native businesswoman Francisca Samper for his or her continued and invaluable assist. Their dedication ensures that this essential act of remembrance can happen every year with the dignity and care it deserves.
Thanks to their efforts, greater than 500 veterans and their households had been in a position to comply with the whole service on a big out of doors display specifically erected by the Town Hall — permitting everybody, whether or not inside or exterior the church, to share within the spirit of unity and remembrance that defines this transferring group occasion.
Proceeds from the day’s assortment will likely be donated to each native and UK Service Charities.
# We will keep in mind them.
