Across the community, Penarth observed Armistice Day today with a two minute’s silence at 11am in remembrance of deaths from military conflicts.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. Ian Buckley and Leader of Penarth Town Council, Cllr. Rhiannon Birch attended the Armistice Day service held in the town centre and wreath laying ceremonies at the War Memorial at St Augustine’s Church, and at the memorial to Captain Richard Wain and Sergeant Sam Pearce VC Cross holders on the front of West House.
In addition to these events organised by the Penarth Branch of the British Legion, Mayor Buckley and Cllr. Birch laid wreaths at the new home of the Merchant Seafarers Memorial at Cardiff Bay Barrage.
The memorial pays tribute to all merchant seafarers who sailed from Penarth Dock and lost their lives during World Wars I and II. The former Town Mayor of Penarth (1994-95) Cllr. John Birch was instrumental in the commissioning of the original plaque. With the support of the Town Council, it has been relocated to a more prominent position and it is fitting that his daughter Cllr. Rhiannon Birch was in attendance at the inaugural wreath laying in its new location.
Like Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday 14th November will see Penarth fall silent at 11:00 to remember the war dead, with the annual Remembrance Parade taking place.
