An introductory poem will be read by the Deputy Mayor
In Retrospect
The world asks a great deal of the poppies,
insists they carry the wounds of war
and shoulder the weight of remembrance.
Such flimsy, wavering plants;
we painted their flowers the colour of blood
and punched dark holes in their heads
as if bullets had passed through,
then trimmed them with green sprigs of hope.
And from deep in the seeds we concocted
the essence of sleep and dreams and resting-in-peace.
Almost weightless even in full bloom
we made them souls, the poppies, souls
of those who we lost, and – let it be said –
those who we killed.
Poppies – nursed in darkness, nourished by dirt.
But for all their spindly roots, frail stalks
and papery petals – as easily smudged
as a butterfly wing –
they joggle into existence
again and again, unearthing themselvesin fallow fields
and railway sidings,
on roundabouts, verges and no man’s land,
from the brickwork of old chimneys and bridges
and cracks in the pavement.
They nod and they nag,
reminding us not to forget, flagging a red alert
as their crumpled petals unfold.
So, rightly, the poppies ask a great deal of the world.
Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate
Composed to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
The Exhortation
The Branch Chairman of the Bedford & District Branch, Royal British Legion gives the exhortation.
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.
All respond: We will remember them.
11am Two Minute Silence
At 11am, marked by three blasts of the whistle and the last post will be sounded. The silence will be kept for two minutes.
Reveille is sounded.
The Kohima Epitaph
When you go home, Tell them of us and say:
“For your tomorrow, we gave our today”.
The National Anthem
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.