Crowds Brave Rain to Honour the Fallen Across Carmarthenshire

Despite relentless rain, residents across Carmarthenshire turned out in force on Sunday to pay tribute to those who served and died in conflict.

In Carmarthen, the town’s annual Remembrance Service began at 9.so am with a parade from Guildhall Square to St Peter’s Church, where hundreds of people, veterans, civic leaders, families, and uniformed youth groups, gathered to reflect and remember.

Carmarthen Mayor Heledd ap Gwynfor praised the turnout, saying that the absence of a marching band did not dampen the spirit of the event. The mayor said it was “a success” and reflected “how wonderful the community of Carmarthen is.”

The church was filled to capacity, with representatives from the armed forces, local dignitaries, and community groups including the Scouts, Guides, and Brownies.

Rev Kristie Godden Griffiths who led the service, spoke about the importance of the media’s role in covering wars and the ongoing need for peace in troubled parts of the world.

Parade Marshal Sgt Major Dafydd Gould said the service was not only about honouring those who fell in past conflicts but also recognising those who continue to serve today.

He said it was “important to remember those who fought and died in wars throughout the years but also those who are still serving today,” adding that “the battleground has changed significantly” and now includes “technological warfare as well.”

After the church service, the procession continued to the war memorial on Priory Street. Dozens of organisations laid wreaths in memory of fallen soldiers. Two minutes of silence was observed before the bugler sounded the Reveille. Due to the persistent downpour, organisers called wreath bearers forward three at a time to spare children from the worst of the weather.

Among those attending were veterans Roger Howells and Kieran Higgins, both of whom served in Northern Ireland. They said they believed the community’s commitment to remembrance would endure for generations.

They reflected on the emotional moment when the Last Post sounded. “It was a time when we stopped and remembered in our own way, those who served alongside us,” they said.

Following the wreath-laying, the parade marched back along King Street to Guildhall Square, where the Mayor and Mr David Parry Williams, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed carried out an inspection. Parade Marshal Gould thanked the public for their attendance, saying the day had gone smoothly despite the weather.

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