Communities across Luton, Dunstable and Barton-le-Clay mark Remembrance Sunday

In Luton, the procession set off from Park Street West, marching through the town centre before arriving at the steps of the Town Hall for the 11 am service. The community said prayers and wreaths were laid at the War Memorial, after a two-minute silence.

Cadets, uniformed organisations, veterans and schoolchildren took part in the ceremony honouring those who gave their lives in service.

Earlier in the week, representatives from Luton Council joined the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, members of the Lieutenancy and the Royal British Legion at Luton General Cemetery to unveil a new commemorative plaque.

The plague was placed in the cemetery to honour 102 Commonwealth war graves which were recently discovered within the site.

Cllr Maria Lovell MBE said: “It was a real privilege to take part in this ceremony and to help honour those who gave so much in the service of others. We are proud to play a part in ensuring their memory is preserved here in our town.”

In Dunstable, people gathered as ex-service personnel, cadets and Scout groups paraded from Grove House Gardens to the War Memorial in Priory House Gardens. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Christopher Sharwood, and Dunstable Town Mayor, Cllr Sally Kimondo, took the salute before the Last Post was played and wreaths were laid.

The mayor said: “It was a privilege and honour to take the salute, alongside the Vice Lord Lieutenant. It was good to see so many young people taking part in the parade, cadets from the three services, representatives from the scouts and guides, local schools together with local organisations.”

In Barton-le-Clay, Owen Clark laid a wreath on behalf of the Burma Star Memorial Fund, paying tribute to the “Forgotten Army” of the British Fourteenth Army who served in Burma during WWII.

His father, Sergeant Major Ronald Clark, and uncle, Lance Corporal Douglas Atkins, both served in the Far East.

The 67-year-old said: “Remembrance Sunday has always been important to me — we should remember the people who gave their sacrifices.

"My dad fought out in Burma and the Far East… they carried horrendous memories throughout the rest of their lives.”

Meanwhile in Houghton Regis, its annual Service of Remembrance was held at All Saints’ Parish Church and the Village Green Memorial Stone, with wreaths laid by the Deputy Lieutenant, Town Mayor Cllr Michelle Herber, and town representatives.

Cllr Herber said: “Our community came together in solemn reflection to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country.

"The remembrance services are a poignant reminder of the cost of peace and the strength of unity. Houghton Regis stands proud and grateful, ensuring their legacy lives on in our hearts and actions.”