Issue A Day toRemember

For those who took part in the two historic Ceremonies, Sunday, 8th June was truly memorable. That concerned with the Dedication of the New Standard was colourful, dignified, sometimes moving and with a touch of “Pomp & Circumstance”. The signing Ceremony to mark the “twinning” with our “Sister Unit” of the American Legion in Ohio was unique so creating a feeling that the Branch had achieved a “First”.

Some of the many amateur and professional photographs taken that afternoon, have been mounted and annotated to provide, in book form, a permanent record of the events. Also, a video film was made showing exerpts of the two Ceremonies. We are indepted to amateur cameraman, Mr. Frank Pridmore for shooting, editing and making copies of the film.

The following pictorial account of the occasion is produced from small monochrome versions of some of the original colour photographs.

	Marching to the Church 1084 Squadron ATC Band leading
At the Church Because Market Harborough Parish Church has no church yard and stands close to the road, the standards formed two curved ranks flanking the entrance instead of the usual two parallel ranks. Branch Standard Bearer, George Fleming with the furled new standard, is seen at the extreme left.
	The Parade members, led by the wheel chairs, pass between the standards into the church. Here Mr. Robert Cramp is greeted by Vice President, Ken Stimpson.
The Church Service The Choir and the Clergy move down the aisle as the Processional hymn is sung. They are followed by the standards. The Queens Colour and the County Standard take their places by the pulpit and the Women's Section County standard stands opposite. The other standards occupy aisle-side seats in pews behind the first four rows which were reserved for named guests. During the second hymn, the old standard is slow marched to the Chancel where the Rector, Rev. Chris Moody, who is also the Branch Chaplain, accepts it for safe keeping. Next, the new standard, escorted by two ACF Cadets, is slow marched to the Chancel where the Chaplain unfurls and dedicates it and lays it on the altar. It remains there until the Standard Bearer returns to receive it after the Act of Remembrance and another hymn. After the National Anthem and the Blessing, the service ends with the singing of the Recessional hymn as Choir, Clergy and standards movie in procession to the back of the church.

Trooping the Colour
	Having left the Church, those taking part in the Parade, formed up in Church Square and led by the band, marched up Church Street, turned left and left again into the High Street. The Deputy Lieutenant, Council Chairman and Senior Legion officers, seen on the right of the picture, assembled to witness the proceedings.
Mr. George Fleming, stands with the New Standard as the visiting Standards dip in salute. Branch members and other ex-service guests continue the two ranks between which the New Standard will be carried in the traditional "Trooping of the Colour" before all those whose Standard it is.

Branch Standard Bearer, Mr.George Fleming, Slow Marches between the dipped Standards as the ATC Band plays the tune "Amazing Grace".
The Review and Salute
	Deputy Lieutenant, Col. R G Wilkes, accompanied by the Branch Chairman, "Reviews" the assembled company by walking through the ranks and "having a few words" with a few individuals.
The Salute is taken by Deputy Lieutenant Col. R G Wilkes, with Cllr.Ken Day, the Chairman of the Harborough District Council, & Senior County RBL Officers.
Homage - The Wreath Laying
	To conclude a Ceremony primarily concerned with those who served in the Forces of the Crown and who survived, the Branch pays homage to all those who did not return. Our Wreath is laid on the 1914 - 1918 War Memorial by Mr. Robert Cramp, a veteran of that War.
As a mark of respect by our Sister Unit of the American Legion, the Conn Weissenberger Post, in Toledo, Ohio, their member Mr. Barry Bashore, also lays a wreath.
The Twinning Ceremony
	Col. Wilkes and Branch Chairman, Tom Ashmore "say a few words"
Signing the Joint Declaration Mr. Barry Bashore signs on behalf of Toledo Post #587