Gallery: Bury St Edmunds remembers the First World War with centenary service

The heroes of the First World War were remembered in Bury St Edmunds this morning as more than 100 people turned out for a special centenary service.

Civic and military figures from across the county gathered at the town’s war memorial on the Angel Hill to pay their respects on the day marking 100 years since the war began.

Ron Day, president of the Bury branch of the Royal British Legion, joined Reverend Canon Matthew Vernon, St Edmundsbury Cathedral’s sub-dean, in addressing the crowds.

Revd Canon Vernon said: “We are gathered here today to remember before God those who have died for their country in the tragedy of war; those whom we knew and whose memory we treasure, and all who have lived and died in the service of humanity.”

Mr Day and St Edmundsbury mayor Robert Everitt laid wreaths of poppies on the war memorial before the British and American national anthems were played, with representatives from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath among those in attendance.

Other guests included Suffolk’s High Sheriff, Nicholas Wingfield Digby.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Day said: “There’s a lot more people here than I expected, it’s a very good attendance.

“It’s a unique day, it won’t ever happen again in our lifetimes. It’s something that should be remembered and it’s been fantastic.” Members of Royal British Legion clubs from across the region were involved in the ceremony as standard bearers.

Ron Lovell, a member of the Bury branch, said: “It is a very special day today. It’s good to see the town give us so much support.”