MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
17
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION REVIVEs 'DRESSING OF THE GRAVES' T
he Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion on Sunday, 1st of November, held a Dressing of the Graves. A spray/posy of poppies, was laid on every Commonwealth War Grave in the local area.
Twins, Milo and Fraser Young (10), lay a posy of poppies on the headstone of their great grandfather George Taylor, one of the founder members of the Midsomer Norton Branch of the Royal British legion.
Standard Bearers and guests social distance during the short service at Midsomer Norton Cemetry. The president of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion said, "We decided that we would revive the tradition of 'Dressing the Graves'. This took the form of placing a spray of poppies on each grave. Each spray was sponsored by a local person or business. The act of commemoration is the ultimate point of today’s ceremonies which are concurrently taking place at nine local cemeteries.
"Remembrance Sunday normally commemorates all service men and women who gave their lives, and this is central to the whole Act of Remembrance. However, many of the service men and women remembered today are not included on the local war memorials so they are in danger of getting forgotten and it is important to ensure that in future they will not remain forgotten.
Nathan Hall (18) puts a posy on a grave.
Jacob Hall (15) lays a posy on a war grave.
This is not about glorifying war but about ensuring that the young people of today understand and appreciate the sacrifice made by our service men and women in defending the right of free speech and a desired way of life. Without the people who now lay at rest, the lives of today’s youngsters might well be different."
