Centenary commemoration for war memorial

MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES, families of fallen servicemen, local historians, schoolchildren, civic leaders and members of the public marked one hundred years since Hinckley’s war memorial was dedicated in a public event on Friday (May 20).

They attended a short service led by Rev Ian Hill in the Garden of Remembrance in Argents Mead, one hundred years to the day since the memorial was first dedicated. 

In a poignant nod to history, families of the bereaved Hinckley mothers who took part in the original foundation stone ceremony were special guests at the service, with each laying a wreath on behalf of their family. Local historian Greg Drozdz traced the families using research and a public appeal. 

In a further echo of the past, the same Union Jack that was used in the original service was used once again and local florists created a floral tribute representing the three armed services - the Army, the Royal Air Force and Navy – along with a white cross covered in lilies inspired by the floral arrangement created for the original service.

Royal British Legion Standard Bearer Ian Walker, who organised the event with local historian Greg Drozdz and the Borough Council, created a guest book to record attendance for posterity. This will be placed in Hinckley Museum for use by future historians. 

Greg Drozdz, independent local historian said: “This was a truly historic occasion for the town. Massive efforts were put into the organisation of the event to create a fitting tribute especially to those six families from the town who lost three sons. Last Friday’s commemorations will live long in the memory”.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Danny Findlay said: "The service was a moving tribute and gave all of us a chance to pay our respects to those servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. My thanks to everyone who helped to make this service happen.”