HUNDREDS gathered in Newport yesterday to remember the fallen.

Newport’s Annual Remembrance parade began at 10.30am from the High Street, before those in attendance marched to the cenotaph.

As they walked, Town Bridge and Clarence Place filled with people, silently observing out of respect.

Once the parade reached the cenotaph, everyone stood still, watching the standard bearers proudly join the rest, marching from the Garden of Remembrance to the cenotaph.

After the standard bearers, the Right Reverend Richard Pain, the Mayor’s Chaplain Mr Graham Lynch and local politicians walked to the war memorial.

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,” said the Commanding Officer of the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery. “Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

“We will remember them,” the crowd said.

A few seconds later, the gun in Town Bridge was fired – and Newport fell silent.

With heads bowed, the crowd reflected for two silent minutes, thinking of those killed in service of their country.

The gun had been fired again, but still the respectful silence continued as the wreaths were being laid.

After the laying of the wreaths, those gathered sang the hymn ‘I vow to thee my country’.

When the song ended, cadets led a prayer for the Royal Navy, for the Army and for the Royal Air Force.

“Amen,” the crowd said.

Following the act of commitment and the blessing, God Save the Queen was sung.

With the service coming to an end, the band, standard bearers, veterans and others started to march back up Clarence Place.

As they walked, the crowd applauded, breaking the thoughtful silence which had filled the city centre.

Speaking after the ceremony leader of Newport City Council Debbie Wilcox said: “I thought today went exceptionally well.

“Each year, there seems to be more and more people, which shows how people feel and the respect they have.

“I’ve been attending this services for many years, but today was something very special for me as it was the first time I laid a wreath to represent the people of Newport.”