THE true meaning of community was on display during this year’s Launceston Remembrance Parade, when the wind threatened to blow the poppy wreaths at the base of the War Memorial away.

There was a strong turn out once again for the traditional town parade, organised by the Royal British Legion in association with the town council. People lined the streets as many local organisations including the Legion, the Royal Naval Association, the Army Cadets, Guides, Brownies, Scouts, and many others joined together to march through the streets and encompass the town centre.

The procession was led by Launceston Town Band who also expertly performed the hymns and Last Post. The service and blessing was led by RBL branch chaplain Mary Williamson and the list of past conflicts was once again confidently read out by students from St Joseph’s School.

A school spokesperson said: “Staff and students from St Joseph's proudly took their place in Launceston's Remembrance Day parade on Sunday, with Head Students from the Senior School reading the names of the conflicts as part of the moving service, while Junior school Head Pupils laid the wreath on behalf of the school. All students marked the solemn occasion with respect and dignity and showed the care, compassion and community that is central to the school's ethos.”

During the service, overseen by parade marshal Ed Wade-Hall, the wind caught a number of lain wreaths by surprise and whisked them off across the square. However, locals were quick to react and a true display of unity was on show as volunteers rushed to the parade marshal’s side and soon had the tributes back in their rightful place.

Chairman of the Launceston branch of the Royal British Legion, John Harrison, said after the parade: “Thank you to all who took part in today’s parade. Thank you to all the people of our great town who came out and braved the weather to support this event.”

Mayor of Launceston Cllr Nicola Gilbert added: “Thank you to you all for coming out today, it is a shame we couldn’t organise better weather but Launceston has done us proud once again.”