British Legion Thanks to Remembrance Sunday Volunteers

Community gathered to remember the fallen

The chairman of the Chiswick branch of the British Legion, Cllr. Paul Lynch said laying the wreath to the late Sam Alexander MC, who was killed in Afghanistan last May, brought the message of Remembrance Sunday home to people in a new and poignant way because he was a local boy. The wreath was laid by his sister Sophie Alexander.

Sam Alexander, (26) who was married with a young son, died in an explosion in Helmand Province while serving with the Royal Marines. He was a former pupil of St. Paul's School, Barnes and had many friends in Chiswick.

Mr. Lynch said that those who knew him socially remembered a "lively and outgoing chap, always high spirited. It is heartbreaking to think of his family's loss and his little boy growing up without him."

He added that the clergy from Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, Rev Bushyager and Fr. Dwyer, had, with prayer, brought the community together on a day when all joined in contemplation.

In his message to all those who took part in the service, Cllr. Lynch continued:

"So many have complimented me on the excellent playing of our brass quartet. Soldiers of many years service were sure they had never heard Last Post played with such subtlety and feeling.

"The drill and turnout of the Chiswick Sea Cadets, in their 25th year of parading for Remembrance Sunday at Chiswick, was as ever impeccable. Few communities have such smart young people marching with them. We can be very proud of them. The Scouts, Guides and their junior groups kept up their very long tradition of commemoration with a fine contingent.

"It was very good to see so many organisations laying wreaths. This year was the first time the RNLI joined us, and we hope they will do so in future.

"We were very well served by Chiswick Police and LBH Highways Department, who ensured a safe and trouble free procession, and our thanks go to LBH and their contractors for their sensitive response to the need to have the Memorial and its surroundings looking its best.

"Our public address technician was, as always, superbly professional.

"It is the first time for many years that we have started from the Chiswick Memorial Club. I hope that everyone agrees that this should become the routine for years to come. The welcome and hospitality accorded to everyone, by the President and the committee, was memorable, even by their generous standards. Many old comrades formed new friendships last Sunday.

"The response by the public set new records, as people have done in their giving to the Poppy Appeal.

"On behalf of the men and women of the armed forces, thank you all very much again."

November 16, 2011