Two representatives from the Wisbech branch of the Royal British Legion joined over 2,400 other legion members from the UK at a pilgrimage of remembrance at Ypres.
Standard bearer Dave Sullivan and wreath layer Terry Van-Santen were among the veterans and supporters of the legion who took part in the spectacular two-mile march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial.
Mr Sullivan, ex parachute regiment and Mr Van-Santen, ex household cavalry, joined the parade that was led by over 1,000 standard bearers and was the culmination of the three day event.
Mr Van-Santen said: “My time in the household cavalry had seen me take part in many ceremonial parades but nothing apart from Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral came close to this extraordinarily emotional occasion.
“To represent the community of Wisbech and deliver a wreath with a message from the people of Wisbech made me feel proud and humbled.”
He said he would especially like to thank Nestle Purina, Wisbech Town Council, Fenland Bushcraft and the public who through “generous donations” allowed both Wisbech participants to travel to Ypres.
Mr Van-Santen, 74, added: “It is an occasion I shall remember to the day I die. When we paraded through Ypres it was simply astonishing.”
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