ALMOST a thousand residents have come together in Harwich to remember everyone who gave away their today for our tomorrow.

Young and old alike, schoolchildren, war veterans, soldiers, cadets and dignitaries all took to the streets on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate the heroes of the wars.

Throughout the day, wreaths were laid by Mayor Ivan Henderson and representatives of all armed forces, as well as the police and fire services.

The ceremony started with official wreath laying at the Merchant Navy Memorial on the Quay and the Minesweepers Memorial on Marine Parade.

The ceremony then proceeded to Dovercourt Memorial Cross at 11am for a big gathering and another wreath laying, followed by a two minute silence.

Dale Cheesman, of Harwich’s Royal British Legion, said: “We had people turn up with their medals on and people wearing their grandparents’ medals.

“Everything was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

“There were no cars and it really was a brilliant show of remembrance.”

The ceremony continued in the afternoon at St Nicholas’ Church, where the official Civic Service for Remembrance Sunday took place.

Councillors and dignitaries were all wearing their robes when marching towards the church.

Mrs Cheesman added: “The church was full and we had a very deep, meaningful service.

“People said they felt safe being out among other people in the church. “We had a wonderful adaptation of Over the Rainbow Sun by Harwich Sing.

“It was such a fitting tribute they did.”