NEWPORT and Islwyn fell silent yesterday as people paid their respects for those who lost their lives in war.

Birds scattered after shots were fired out over the Usk in Newport to mark 11am on Remembrance Day, in the 100th year since the outbreak of the First World War.

A parade beginning at the High Street made its way to the Cenotaph on Clarence Place. After the two minutes of silence finished, ex-servicemen and women were among those who laid wreaths in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Bishop of Monmouth, the Right Reverend Richard Pain, led the service assisted by the mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Andrew Willie.

Corporal Chris Puckett, 34, from Lliswerry, returned from Afghanistan last week when the last troops were taken out of the country. He said: “It’s nice to come back home to my family. There’s a good turn out today in an important year.”

Corporal Ben Brand, 28, also from Newport, has completed three tours of Afghanistan. He said: “It’s important to remember and it’s good people are interested and to see the amount of people that turn up. No-one has to be here.”

Following the service, the mayor, Lord Lieutenant of Gwent and the High Sheriff took up position on the dais for the march past by ex-servicemen and women as well as the standard bearers including local scouts and guides.

Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East, laid a wreath during the service. She said: “I just think the service grows every year. More and more people come and it’s really moving to see people in Newport remember those who have given so much.”

Dozens of wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph. One read: “In memory of all our shipmates who sacrificed their lives for this country. We will remember them.”

Another, laid by the Islamic Society for Wales, said: “For all the war heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice for world peace. RIP.”

Veteran Peter Gillon, 73, from St Julians, was a warrant officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 22 years and served in Borneo, Malaysia and Germany. He said: “I always try to get to the Remembrance Parade. I like to remember those I’ve lost.”

Newport’s Garden of Remembrance, in Clarence Place, was opened on Monday ahead of the annual service and parade.

In Islwyn, around 50 people gathered outside Pontllanfraith House before a memorial service in St Augustine’s Church.

Gwyn Price, AM for Islwyn, said: “It was a very moving experience. The troops were there and pupils from some local schools. The services are always very well attended but especially this year, with it being the 100th year since the First World War it seems to have brought it home for people. It’s right to say those soldiers have their tomorrow for our today, and I don’t think that goes unnoticed.”

Gez Kirby, leader of the Labour group with Caerphilly Council, also attended the service. He said: “It was great to see the children there paying their respects. There was a respectful and thoughtful sermon and the Last Post was note perfect and beautifully played.”

Chris Evans MP and deputy mayor Leon Gardiner were among other dignitaries attending the ceremony.