HEREFORDSHIRE Council chairman Brian Wilcox has paid tribute those who made possible the county’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

Councillor Wilcox said many of the events and projects would not have happened without the dedication and commitment of the World War 1 Committee.

He also thanked those who organised or took part in the events and those who contributed their time, money and the many fitting tributes to the fallen.

“Remembrance Day 2018 and the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day have passed, but they will not be forgotten,” he said.

“Whilst not wishing to focus on any one specific occasion or individual, I must pay tribute to the work of the World War 1 Committee that was set up in 2014 and held its final meeting on November 16.

“Many of the events and projects would not have happened without the dedication and commitment of many on that committee and we owe them a debt of gratitude for what they achieved with the help of others.

“During the last four years, there have been a succession of tributes and commemorations of battles and events where our forefathers gave everything for us.

“The 3,213 people from Herefordshire who sacrificed their lives during the Great War have been the subject of many tributes. We owe our thanks to all those who have contributed to their memory in one way or another during this period, especially during the final weeks of this centenary commemoration, culminating with the celebration of the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918.

“The reading of all those names individually by Herefordshire residents of all ages, description and every background was so moving, as were the massive turn-outs by cadets, British Legion veterans and others to the various commemorative events, especially on 11th November.

“We need to thank all those who organised or took part in those events, especially those who contributed much of their time and/or money by organising and providing the many fitting tributes to the fallen.

“Such tributes attracted spontaneous positive responses from so many thousands of people that Herefordshire can again hold its head high. It showed that, when it really matters, the people of Herefordshire combine together and County hits above its weight to help make it one of the best areas in the country in which to live.

“Thank you to each and everyone who has been part of this unique County commemoration in whatever way you have contributed or taken part.”