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Order of Service at Thatcham War Memorial

There are almost 800 people taking part in the parade. There will be times during the event when members of the parade are moving position on the parade ground and nobody will be speaking on the PA system. Unfortunately, not everyone can see what is happening and the organisers hope you appreciate that what appear to be silences are key parts of the ceremony.

The Parade Marshal will give the order for Standard Bearers to take post and then for Wreath Layers to take post. Once in position the Two Minutes Silence will begin at 11am as the Parade are called to attention.

Revd Mark Bennet will lead the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. Those who are able are requested to stand and gentlemen to remove their hats for the Act of Remembrance.

Opening Prayer

We meet in the presence of God. We commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may, together, live in freedom, justice and peace.

We pray for all who in bereavement, disability and pain, continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror.

We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.

The Exhortation

(given by the Chairman of The Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Response by All: We will remember them.

Two Minutes Silence

Reveille

The Kohima Epitaph

(spoken by the Secretary of The Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch)) When you go home, Tell them of us and say For your tomorrow, We gave our today.

RBL: Response ‘’ We will not break faith with you’’ Standard Bearers are ordered to Order Standards.

Prayer Ever-living God we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen The Parade is stood at ease.

Wreath-laying

While the wreaths are laid at the War Memorial the following hymns are sung

Hymn O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home;

Beneath the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is thine arm alone, And our defence is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting thou art God, To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone;

Hymn

Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun.

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home. Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far... and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be... as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years... bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise... then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found Was blind, but now, I see.

John Newton (1725 – 1807)

Members of the public who wish to lay their own tribute will be invited to do so by the Minister. Please come forward to the entrance in readiness to be invited forward.

Hymn

And did those feet in ancient time Walk upon England's mountain green? And was the holy Lamb of God On England's pleasant pastures seen? And did the countenance divine Shine forth upon our clouded hills? And was Jerusalem builded here Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Till we have built Jerusalem In England's green and pleasant land.

Hymn ‘Abide with Me’ to be played by Cold Ash Brass if wreath laying still in progress.

The Parade will be called to attention, Standard Bearers will be ordered to carry Standards.

Prayers

Prayer for The Royal British Legion

Almighty God, we thank you for the work of the Royal British Legion and for what it has accomplished. We ask you to bless and sustain its members, their branches and Service Committees, that they may serve the cause of the serving and the ex-service community.

TRBL Response:

Help us Lord to keep the words “Service Not Self” ever in our hearts and minds. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

All say Our Father, who art in Heaven Hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

The public are requested to stand and gentlemen remove their hats for the National Anthem.

The National Anthem

All sing God save our gracious King, Long live our noble King, God save the King. Send him victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the King.

Thy choicest gifts in store

On him be pleased to pour, Long may he reign: May he defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice God save the King!

Parade Marshal will order Standard Bearers to take post and Wreath Layers to take post.

The Parade will then proceed to St Mary’s Church to complete the Act of Remembrance.

Please ensure free passage for the Parade from the Memorial Car Park onto the A4. Shortly after the Parade has left, the roads will be reopened, please use the designated crossings.

Order of Service at St Mary's Church

Revd Mark Bennet will lead the Act of Remembrance

Those who feel able to stand, please do so at the appropriate moments.

Introduction

Hymn Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord, and where there's doubt, true faith in you.

O Master, grant that I may never seek so much to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace. Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, only light, and where there's sadness, ever joy.

O Master, grant that I may never seek so much to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me channel of your peace

It is in the pardoning that we are pardoned, in giving of ourselves that we receive, and in dying that we're born to eternal life.

A Wreath is laid by a representative of The Royal British Legion

The Act of Remembrance

The Exhortation

(read by the Chairman of The Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch))

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Response by all: We will remember them.

The Last Post

Silence

Reveille

The Kohima Epitaph

(read by the Secretary of The Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch))

When you go home, Tell them of us and say For your tomorrow We gave our today

RBL: Response ‘’ We will not break faith with you’’

The Reading of the Roll of Honour

(by the Chairman and Secretary of The Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch))

Hymn I vow to thee, my country - all earthly things above Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

Cecil A Spring-Rice (1918)

In Flanders Fields

Read by the Town Mayor of Thatcham

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high, If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

We Shall Keep the Faith

Read by Phoebe Moss representing Kennet Vale Girl Guiding Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields, Sleep sweet - to rise anew! We caught the torch you threw And holding high, we keep the Faith With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red That grows on fields where valour led; It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies, But lends a lustre to the red Of the flower that blooms above the dead In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red We wear in honour of our dead. Fear not that ye have died for naught; We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought In Flanders Fields.

John McCrae

Moina Michael

Prayer for The Royal British Legion

TRBL Response:

Help us Lord to keep the words “Service Not Self” Ever in our hearts and minds. Amen

The Standards leave the Church.

The Act of Commitment

Let us commit ourselves to a responsible, living and faithful service. Will you strive for all that makes for peace?

All: We will

Will you seek to heal the wounds of war?

All: We will

Will you work for a just future for all humanity?

All: We Will

Merciful God,

we offer to you the fears in us that have not yet been cast out by love: May we accept the hope you have placed in the hearts of all people, and live lives of justice, courage and mercy; Through Jesus Christ our risen Redeemer.

Amen

The Blessing

God grant to the living grace, to the departed rest, to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth and all people, unity, peace and concord, and to us and all God’s servants, life everlasting. And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you all And remain with you always.

Amen

Please remain quiet as Revd Mark Bennet, the Civic Dignitaries, and The Royal British Legion (Thatcham Branch) leave the Church.

The Choir will sing ‘Remembrance’ as the congregation leaves the Church.

A collection in aid of the Poppy Appeal will be taken as you leave church. Please give generously for the work of The Royal British Legion

Remembrance

Grant peace, O Lord, across our strife-torn world, Where war divides and greed and dogma drive. Help us to learn the lessons from the past, That all are human and all pay the price. All life is dear and should be treated so; Joined, not divided, is the way to go.

Protect, dear Lord, all who, on our behalf

Now take the steps that place them in harm’s way. May they find courage for each task they face By knowing they are in our thoughts always. Then, duty done ad missions at an end, Return them safe to family and friends.

Grant rest, O Lord, to those no longer with us; Who died protecting us and this their land. Bring healing, Lord, to those who, through their service, Bear conflict’s scars on body or in mind. With those who mourn support and comfort share. Give strength to those who for hurt loved-ones care.

And some there be who no memorial have; Who perished are as though they’d never been. For our tomorrows their today they gave, And simply asked that in our hearts they’d live. We heed their call and pledge ourselves again, At dusk and dawn – we will remember them!

Church Copyright Licence No. 276819

Charles Henrywood