National Memorial Service, Monday 10th July 2017
Marking the 74th anniversary of Operation Husky, members of The Italy Star Association held their annual service of remembrance and commemoration at the National Memorial in Westgate Gardens Canterbury on 10th July 2017.
The service was attended by approximately 50 members, several veterans including Mr Roy Quinton the National Chairman, Mr Frank Horn and Edward Needham. The new East Kent Branch Chairman Ms Terri Camm, did the reading from scripture.
We were welcomed by the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Canterbury Councillor Rosemary Doyle. The service was led by the Reverend Michael Chandler while The Venerable Jo Kelly-Moore the Archdeacon of Canterbury gave the address. Before her appointment as Archdeacon (in January 2017), Jo served as Dean of Auckland, New Zealand. She said that she was delighted to be addressing the Italy Star Association and had informed the members of the New Zealand Branch that she would be attending the service. Music for the service was played by Mrs Merlin Lawrence and the Last Post was played by Lt. Cdr. Tony Crisp.
Our National Standard was carried by Jo Correa, Paul Scroby carried the Central London Branch standard, the East Hampshire Branch standard was carried by Jo Bath, they were joined by British Legion Standards from Portsmouth carried by Sue Monkcom, and the Dover White Cliffs Branch carried by Mervyn McAlistister.
Wreaths were laid by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the City of Canterbury, by our National Chairman Mr Roy Quinton on behalf of the National Membership. Additional wreaths were laid on behalf of branches and individuals.
After the service, we adjourned for a pleasant lunch at the Victoria Hotel before making our separate journeys home.
Our thanks must also go to Bill Hornsby for taking care of the arrangements this year owing to Franks poor health, and to Frank Horn for organising such a wonderful lunch.
