Poignant Remembrance Service to take place in Royal Wootton Bassett in honour of Afghanistan Heroes

A poignant Service to remember the brave Servicemen and women who fought and died in the Afghanistan conflict, will take place at The Royal British Legion’s Field of Remembrance at Lydiard Park, near Royal Wootton Bassett on Friday 8th November.

Over 40,000 crosses will be planted within the walled garden in Lydiard Park, each with a personal message of Remembrance in honour of the 445 Service people killed since the Afghanistan conflict began in 2001.

A number of local dignitaries, guests and members of the British Armed Forces will plant crosses to pay their respects to those who have given their lives in the Service of our country. These will include Legion beneficiary Emma Hickman, the fiancée of fallen Private Daniel Wade, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011, Royal British Legion National Vice Chairman Terry Whittles, and representatives of each of The Armed Forces.

The British Imperial Military Band will provide fitting musical accompaniment during the service.

Terry Whittles said: “Each year, the Fields of Remembrance demonstrate just how much support and admiration there is for our Armed Forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice – we will never forget them. I would encourage all members of the public to visit the Field of Remembrance and pay their respects in this very special place.”

In addition to the Field of Remembrance ceremony, 30,000 poppies will be planted in a cluster of poppy shaped formations. Each poppy bears a special tribute from Legion supporters showing their respect to all those who have lost their life in Service.

The Legion’s Afghanistan Heroes – Field of Remembrance is located at Lydiard Park, near Royal Wootton Bassett. It will be open to the public from Friday 8th November until Sunday 17th November.