Members of the RAF Cadets lay their wreaths Photo: Ray Duff
Photos and words by Ray Duff
On a solemn Sunday evening, people gathered on the Leas beside the RAF Memorial Stone to mark the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 1940.
Folkestone Town Mayor Cllr Abena Akuufo-Kelly and Chair of Folkestone District Cl, Cllr Anita Jones, lay wreaths Photo: Ray Duff
The service, organized by Folkestone Town Council, began with a heartfelt welcome from Capt Richard Oliver of the Salvation Army. RAF air cadets and Standard bearers formed a dignified honour guard behind the memorial.
Capt Richard Oliver (Salvation Army) leads the ceremony Photo: Ray Duff
The ceremony proceeded with the Royal British Legion’s ‘Exhortation’ – “We will remember them,” followed by the haunting notes of The Last Post, a profound two minutes of silence, and the Reveille, along with the Kohima Epitaph.
Wreathes are laid beside the RAF Memorial on the Leas Photo: Ray Duff
Mayor of Folkestone, Cllr Abena Akuffo-Kelly, delivered a brief but moving memorial speech. This was followed by the laying of wreaths by representatives on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the Mayor of Folkestone, and the Chair of the District Council, Cllr Anita Jones. Additional wreaths were laid by local Royal British Legions, RAFA, and the air cadets, each symbolizing deep respect and remembrance.