Brunssum, the Netherlands - Major General Karl Ford CBE led JFC Brunssum representation at the annual Sittard Remembrance Service today.
Not only was this the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day but the 51st year that the Sittard War Graves Committee, the Mayor, and community of Sittard, have joined with members of the British and other nations represented at JFC Brunssum to pay their respects to those who have laid down their lives to preserve the values, freedoms and peace we share and enjoy today.
A thoughtful service at St Peters' Church, Sittard, led by Dean Wilbert van Rens was followed by an open-air ceremony at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Ophoven, where 239 servicemen are laid to rest.
Each year, since 1946, the Sittard War Graves Committee invites relatives of fallen serviceman resting at Ophoven to attend. Special guests of the Committee this year were: Simon P Keenan & Simon Keenan.
Amongst others, wreaths were laid at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Ophoven, by the following:
The King's Commissioner for Limburg - Governor Theo Bovens
The Mayor of Sittard-Geleen - Burgemeester Sjra Cox
Sittard War Graves Committee Chair - Mrs Tedje Versteegh
Allied HQs Joint Force Command Brunssum - Major General Karl Ford CBE
JFC Brunssum Netherlands Armed Forces Representative - Lieutenant Colonel Jurjen Haan
UK Military Community - Air Commodore Andrew Martin
German Military Community / French Military Community - Jointly laid by Colonel Thiermann & Brigadier General Goisque.
Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office