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Remembrance Sunday is commemorated in Sofia

About 250 people from more than 15 different countries, including British ambassador Steve Williams, attended a service at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Sofia Central Cemetery on Sunday November 9.

Remembrance Sunday is always a poignant day for those who have served or have loved ones who have served in the armed forces. This past Remembrance Sunday was no exception. The high turnout reflected the continuing role played by many of the participating nations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Many attendees wore campaign medals and battle honours ranging from the Falklands War to more recent deployments in the Middle East. Nearly all wore the red poppy, the “badge of remembrance”.

A single red poppy was placed on each of the graves of servicemen now resting at Sofia Cemetery.

Ambassador Williams and British defence attaché Colonel Jon Mulroy (Parachute Regiment) gave addresses at the first of the day’s short ceremonies at the British Cemetery before the crowd paid their respects at the German and French plots. A small contingent of high ranking Bulgarian military supported the ceremony complete with a bugler (in full state uniform) who sounded the last post before a minute’s silence.

After the service most of the dignitaries moved on to the respective embassies for official receptions. Others were invited to the 2030 Brasserie in Lozenets owned by Major Richard Larkin (Welsh Guards) for an informal gathering and delicious food. Proceeds went to the Poppy Appeal which supports service personnel and their families affected by conflict.

The Remembrance Day ceremony is best summed up by the last line of the Exhortation – “We will remember them.”

Source: sofiaecho.com