The annual service of remembrance took place on Sunday 13th November at the War Memorial in Central Park, Dartford. The service was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle and Lady De L’Isle, the Mayor and Mayoress of Dartford, Civic dignitaries and many veterans, young people and the public. The two minute silence at 11.00am was marked by the blowing of a genuine trench whistle dating from the first World War in commemoration of the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. During the service wreaths were laid at the war memorial, led by the Lord Lieutenant and the Mayor, in remembrance of the fallen.
The service was attended by a large crowd which enthusiastically supported the march past by veterans, uniformed organisations and young people which followed the conclusion of the service along Dartford High Street and Market Street with the Lord Lieutenant taking the salute. A group of young people from Dartford’s French twin town, Gravelines, also took part in the parade and march past. Dartford is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its town twinning arrangements with Gravelines and a short presentation was held in the newly refurbished Dartford Library beforehand to commemorate this anniversary at which the visitors from the Gravelines town twinning association were presented with a print of the Dartford War Memorial and in turn presented a gift to the people of Dartford.
Council Leader, Jeremy Kite MBE, said that “It is pleasing to welcome so many local people who come together each year to commemorate the sacrifices of our servicemen across the ages, and especially this year the Lord Lieutenant and our friends from Gravelines. This event has grown in recent years and long may that continue.”