HUNDREDS of soldiers and veterans will march in a parade through Colchester on Remembrance Sunday in honour of fallen veterans.

On Sunday, November 12 a private ceremony will take place at the Merville Barracks’ Memorial Garden for families to lay wreaths and pay tribute to 16 Air Assault Brigade soldiers killed in operation.

Wreaths will also be laid at the First and Second World War memorials in Colchester Cemetery before the traditional Remembrance Service at the War Memorial on the High Street from 10.40am.

Two 105mm Light Guns from will fire to mark the beginning and end of the two minute silence at 11am followed by the Remembrance Parade led by the Parachute Regiment.

During the parade a salute will be taken by Colchester mayor Gerard Oxford and Brigadier Nick Perry, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

The parade will feature soldiers from a number of regiments including the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment alongside veterans and youth organisations.

Rev David Barrett, 16 Air Assault Brigade senior chaplain, said Remembrance Day is an important day for the country, especially for those of us serving in the Armed Forces.

He said: “Together we recall the countless men and women who have given their lives for others in the cause of justice, freedom and peace.

“We honour each one, not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First and Second World Wars but in the many conflicts and military operations that have taken place since.

“We remember too, their families and all those who have been injured and still today bear the scars of war.

“Many of those of us in uniform today have deployed around the world and, like veterans, will be recalling friends who have given their lives on active service.

“We owe a debt of gratitude, too large to pay, to all those who have fought and died for our country.

“The shared silence which follows the sounding of the Last Post is perhaps the most appropriate response of all.

“So much of what is best in our national life has been retained over the years by those whom we commemorate at this time of the year. We salute them.”