Communities gather for Remembrance Day events held in east London & Essex

A special memorial event was held yesterday at Grays High Street Memorial

Residents across East London and Essex attended various events to pay their respects on Remembrance Day.

In Thurrock, events were held in several locations including Stanford-le-Hope, Grays, Orsett, Corringham, South Ockendon and Tilbury.

One memorial event held yesterday was at Grays High Street Memorial, to remember those who lost their lives during conflict.

Many turned up to see tributes also laid at Stanford-le-Hope Cenotaph.

Tributes at Stanford-le-Hope Cenotaph (credit: Thurrock Council)

 Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill said: “After the restrictions of lockdown this time last year, it was a privilege to see people come together safely to remember and pay our respects as a community.

“As always, our history in Thurrock is incredibly important to us, and we will never forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives fighting for our rights and our freedoms.

“I had the honour of attending a special memorial event on Sunday 14 November, at the Grays Memorial in the High Street, and paying my respects in person alongside the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick.

“This year and every year, we will remember them.”

Events were also held across Havering including Elm Park, Hornchurch and Rainham.

Officers alongside 100s of residents attended a parade and two minute silence in Havering (credit: Havering MPS)

A Civic Remembrance Parade and Service was held by Havering Council.

Wreaths were laid by Cllr John Mylod, the Mayor of Havering and Cllr Damian White at the War Memorial.

We held our Civic Remembrance Parade and Service this morning. Wreaths were laid by Cllr John Mylod, the Mayor of Havering and Cllr Damian White. #WeWillRememberThem #LestWeForget #RemembranceDay2021 pic.twitter.com/8Vj6b74hRb

— Havering Council (@LBofHavering) November 14, 2021

 3rd Rainham Scouts also paid tribute to those who lost their lives by arranging poppies made from recycled plastic bottles in the shape of a fleur-de-lis at the Church of St Helen & St Giles.

3rd Rainham Scouts created a display of poppies for Remembrance Sunday (credit: Havering Council)

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