A NEW war memorial has been erected in a small Somerset village - and more than 100 people paid their respects on Remembrance Sunday.
Despite loosing men in both World War I and World War II, Ilton, near Ilminster, has never had a memorial - until now.
Ilton Parish Council, with the help and determination of Cllr Grahame MacKenzie-Greene, commissioned an oak war memorial for the village green in time for Remembrance Sunday this year.
READ MORE: New war memorial to be erected in Ilton, near Ilminster, for Remembrance Sunday
A memorial oak cross has been carved with the words 'lest we forget' by Ben Harms LTD, a local master carver.
There are also 19 silhouettes, one for each soldier/airman who did not return to the village after the wars, each with a brass plaque with their name and regiment.
A Remembrance Service was held on Sunday (November 14) with more than 100 villagers.
There was also a parade of representatives from the Royal Navy, American Airforce, British Legion, Avon & Somerset Constabulary, The Rifles and St Johns Ambulance Service.
There were prayers and readings, wreath laying, the names of Ilton soldiers and pilots read out, as well as Joseph Baker playing the Last Post of violin. The service concluded with everyone singing the National Anthem.
A spokesperson for Ilton Parish Council said: "We would like to acknowledge the following people without whose support this project could not have happened - Ben Harms, Cartgate Bike Night, Andrew Pigeon, Lee Hart, The Wyndham Arms and Larkfleet Homes."
There was also a dedication service at the memorial on November 11. Reverend Phil Denison and Reverend Philip Albrow led the service.
Children and staff from St Mary and St Peter’s Church School, Ilton, attended the service too.
READ MORE: Children lay wreath at Ilton's new Remembrance memorial
They laid a special wreath to mark the village having its own memorial for the first time.
Jo Best, St Mary and St Peter’s infant teacher, said: “We want to thank Ilton Parish Council for organising this event and providing the memorial for our village.
"Having a memorial in the village has really helped our children understand and reflect on the importance Remembrance plays in our country’s national identity.”
Elliot and Niamh placed the school’s wreath on the memorial.
Elliot, from Year 5, said: "I am so proud that I was able to lay the wreath as it is important that we remember those who dedicated themselves to wars and made our country safe.”
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