WITH a military snap and precision that would have made their forefathers proud, a thousand veterans, servicemen and women and reserve and cadet forces honoured those who fell in two world wars, and in smaller campaigns since.

Under a sky which almost perfectly reflected RAF blue uniforms, the large contingent formed up in Market Square under the watchful eye of RSM Gareth Dibble, of 104 Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Standards paraded were those of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Naval Association, The Royal Air Forces Association, several army old comrades' associations, the Burma Star Association, the Merchant Navy Association, cadet standards and the Salvation Army.

There was something in the air which, even before the standards had marched off, their brass tips gleaming in the pale light, said that this was going to be a special parade.

With the band of Newport Boys' Brigade setting a regular marching beat, the sound of boots on tarmac set up a steady pulse as the parade wound its way to the cenotaph in Clarence Place.

There were, it is true, fewer spectators than in other years due to the England-Wales game being shown on television, but as one stalwart commented: "Nobody loves rugby more than the old soldiers. But there are things in life which are more important even than a Welsh try."

At the cenotaph, wreaths were laid by the mayoral party representing Newport city council, Newport's two Members of Parliament, the city's members of the National Assembly for Wales, the Lord Lieutenant for the county and the High Sheriff, and representatives of the police and fire services, but it was the floral contributions of the veterans which held the greatest poignancy.

No veterans of the Great War remain with us, and even those who fought in the second great conflict of the last century are nearing their 80s, but still they march.

There was, this year, especially loud 'amens' when Dominic Walker, the Bishop of Monmouth, who was assisted by David Sutton, the mayor's padre, prayed for the safety of British service personnel serving in Iraq and for peace in the Middle East.

At Reveille, the standards were smartly raised into their marching positions and the parade did an 'eyes left' at the saluting podium.

In the traditional counterpoint to the solemnity of remembrance, the parade marched off to a jaunty tune.

It was, simply, the smartest and best-drilled Remembrance Parade for many a year, for which RSM Dibble and his staff must take much credit.

RSM Dibble praised the efforts of those who had marched before tallowing his parade to fall out, and catch up on a creditable Welsh performance on a sporting field of battle.

* THERE was an even bigger turnout than usual for the parade in Abergavenny yesterday.

Wreaths were laid at the war memorial in Frogmore Street on behalf of the town by the mayor, Councillor Victor Barrett, and on behalf of Monmouthshire County Council by Councillor Andre Arkell.

Among those on parade - led by Abergavenny Borough Band - were Monmouth MP Huw Edwards, as well as all the local voluntary organisations and youth groups.

The service was conducted by the chaplain to the Royal British Legion, Reverend Derek Lee, and for the second year in succession police sealed off the town centre, diverting traffic away from the war memorial.

Pontllanfraith held its annual Remembrance Day service on Saturday afternoon, with around 50 people braving a keen east wind to attend.

The parade began at the civic centre and made the short march to the war memorial, where Reverend Canon Raymond Summers led the service

The standards were lowered as the Last Post sounded and the two-minute silence was observed.

Among those wreaths laid were tributes by the Royal British Legion, the RAF, Caerphilly council leader Lindsay Whittle, Islwyn MP Don Touhig, Pontllanfraith Ex-Servicemen's Club and St Augustine's Church.

Children from the St John Ambulance Badgers group laid crosses on the steps of the cenotaph.

In Chepstow, St Mary's Church was packed for the Remembrance Day service yesterday morning.

Monmouthshire council chairman Colin White took the salute and said: "It was wonderful that so many people still came to remember those who have lost their lives in wars, even though there was the distraction of the rugby."

A separate sunset remembrance ceremony at the Celtic Cross in Caldicot was attended by about 50 people yesterday afternoon. Dozens paid their respects in Pontypool and Blaenavon.

Torfaen mayor Doug Davies led the service in Pontypool alongside Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle, with a parade from Pontypool Museum to the Memorial Gates for a wreath-laying ceremony.

Mr Davies said: "It was an excellent turnout for what was a very sombre occasion."

In Blaenavon a parade left for the cenotaph from the town's top car park instead of Cae White for the first time. The tributes were led by John Evans, president of the Blaenavon Royal British Legion.