At such a memorable period in the history this country, members of the City of Ely branch of the Royal British Legion have ensured that the city’s war memorial is looking its best.
Branch members and a Korean War veteran have donated the cost of a second ‘silent soldier’ to stand opposite the first which had been paid for by the City Council. The council’s estates team bolted the figure in place this week.
The imposing memorial, sited in the wall of the cathedral precinct and overlooking the market place is now flanked by the two figures. Stonework has been cleaned and a trough of plants placed in front of plaques bearing the names of those who gave their lives for the country in the First and Second World Wars and in conflicts since.
Chairman of Ely’s RBL branch, David Martin, said: “On ceremonial occasions of remembrance, the memorial is a focal point for us all to remember those who have given their lives for King and country and, even as we go about our daily lives, seeing the silent soldiers might remind us of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and as the inscription on the memorial states: ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends’.”
The 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the Korean War, will be marked with a ceremony at the war memorial on 27th July at 10.45-11.15am.
Press release from City of Ely Branch of the Royal British Legion
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