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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 14 November 2008

The leader of the Pathfinders band prepares to lay a wreath

‘Biggest and best’: Thousands turn out for Sunday’s Remembrance Day parade at Islington Green

A RECORD 2,500 people – the highest ever – attended a moving Remembrance Day parade at Islington Green on Sunday.
They came from all corners of the borough to honour those killed in the two World Wars as well as the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Father Jim Kennedy, who co-ordinated the British Legion collections, said it was a remarkable event.
“I remember when we used to get two or three hundred,” he added. “Now we get thousands at Remembrance Day and it gets bigger each year. But this year was the biggest and best.”
More than 40 flags were lowered at the memorial. Father Kennedy added: “It was very moving and many people were in tears.”
MP Emily Thornberry laid a wreath at the newly refurbished war memorial at Spa Green before joining troops from the Honourable Artillery Company.
The service was particularly poignant for them as they marked the loss of Trooper Jack Sadler, a reservist who was killed in Afghanistan last year aged 21.
Ms Thornberry talked to the soldiers about Mr Sadler who was a valued and popular member of the regiment.
She said: “The bravery of these young people is extraordinary. Despite losing their friend, Jack, last year, they are still ready to volunteer to serve our country and risk their lives.”
Mayor of Islington, Councillor Stefan Kaspryzk, whose Polish family came to the UK after being shipped to Russia and then fleeing to Palestine during the Second World War, added: “On Remembrance Day we not only remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but we celebrate the birth of Europe as we know it today.”

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