A SQUARE in Chelmsford was renamed this morning to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day – and Armed Forces members past and present.
The square outside the library, which was previously called Public Square, was renamed Remembrance Square in a ceremony to also honour the centenary year of World War One and to remember those who had been killed in all conflicts.
Cllr Norman Hume, Essex County Council's chairman said: "The ceremony today was an opportunity to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the centenary year of World War One, and to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts.
"Remembrance Square is a space for residents and visitors to the county to reflect on the past and more recent conflicts in which the Armed Forces and communities gave so much."
There was also an earlier event held two weeks ago to commemorate First World War victims in the French village of Beaumont Hamel where a stone was unveiled and laid into the wall of the local church to remember the 1st Battalion Essex Regiment and those soldiers lost in the 1916 Battle of the Somme.
It was held after Essex resident Dr Ted Bailey was able to have a stone carved through fundraising and donations.
Speaking about the village ceremony, Cllr Hume said: "This was a poignant and reflective ceremony where we were joined by many Hamel residents to remember those who gave their lives for others.
"When the stone was unveiled I was impressed by the quality and workmanship of this lasting tribute to those who served in the Essex Regiment and who fell in the Battle of the Somme."
In remembrance of the fallen there were speeches, the laying of wreathes the Last Post followed by a two minute silence and Reveille.
The mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Bob Villa said: "It was a simple, moving and reflective ceremony, bringing to reality the many who gave their lives in the service of their country. It was a great honour to attend the ceremony and lay down a wreath in recognition of their sacrifice."
