Aycliffe townsfolk turned out in large numbers for the annual Remembrance Day Parade and Service at St. Clare’s Church last Sunday, 10th November.
Our Mayor and M.P. led the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial and the two minute silence was observed with reverence.
As always it was an emotional occasion shared by a good cross section of the community and it was particulalry pleasing to see the younger generation represented by scouts, cubs, brownies and cadets.
Rev. Mike Dixon led the Service of Remembrance which again involved young people. In his address he talked of the cost of peace, and misinterpretation of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” explaining in bygone days this was a measured response to what could have been excessive revenge. He suggested we follow the other biblical quotation of “turning the other cheek”.
Known for his sense of humour Rev Mike told the story of a tramp who knocked on a door asking for food. The lady of the house gave him some bread and said it was given to him for God’s sake. The tramp looked at the bread and said “Well, for Christ’s sake put some butter on it!”
He concluded on the message of peace which should not just apply to the armed forces, but in our own town, among ourselves, and our neighbours.
