Remembrance Sunday was commemorated in Coningsby and Boston with parades from RAF Coningsby personnel forming integral parts of the events in both Lincolnshire towns.
2025 is the eightieth anniversary of VE Day, and Lincolnshire is forever known as Bomber County, and the significance of the day resonated deeply with the service personnel and civilian organisations that took part.
Group Captain Paul O’Grady placed his final Remembrance Sunday wreath as Station Commander at Coningsby’s war memorial, as scores of citizens and veterans joined with Station personnel to honour the Fallen.
He said: “It was wonderful to see so many of the people of Coningsby taking part in the Act of Remembrance. It is great to know that there is such strong support in our closest town. On Remembrance Sunday we take time to think of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.”
The morning mists suited the solemn sense of occasion as RAF Chaplain, Reverend (Flight Lieutenant) Patrick Gilbert led the act of remembrance.
In Boston, the town centre was lined with townsfolk who came to witness the tribute to those who had laid down their lives. Wing Commander Laura Frowen, Officer Commanding No 41 Squadron, gave the salute to the Fallen on behalf of the Royal Air Force.
She said: “Remembrance Sunday is a humbling experience. It was heart-warming to see the number of people who had come out to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives. Every section of our community was represented, it was hard not to be impressed.”
The words ‘Remember Together’ written in poppies, lined the path to Boston’s war memorial, reinforcing the senses of dignity and poignancy of the occasion.
Group Captain O’Grady concluded: “Remembrance Sunday is marked as a solemn and respectful occasion. We are calling to mind the sacrifices made by people like us who wanted to ensure the freedom of future generations. We are truly grateful for the outstanding loyalty shown to us by the communities of Coningsby and Boston and so many other places.”
