Thousands pay tribute to murdered Royal Marines
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Watch the memorial
concert and hear reaction.
Eleven Royal Marines murdered by the IRA in Deal 20 years ago
were remembered on Sunday at a concert on the bandstand built in
their memory.
After the barracks closed in 1996 the Royal Marines Band from
Portsmouth promised to return every year for a performance on
Walmer Green.
Thousands of people watched the musicians perform and many
tributes were made to those who died in the explosion at the School
of Music.
Lt Col Nick Grace, principal director of music Royal Marines,
Portsmouth, said: "It is fantastic to see so many people.
"It just goes to show, and brings home to us all, the feelings
of the town of Deal and east Kent for the Royal Marines and the
Royal Marines band service."
Bandstand trust chairman John Perkins described the explosion on
Friday, September 22, 1989, as a mindless act of terrorism and said
the 11 men who died must never be forgotten.
The bandstand was rededicated as part of the programme of music
and the Rev Frank Kent, who led the prayers, also spoke about how
important it was to remember the musicans who died at the hands of
terrorists. He read the names of the 11 men and wreaths were laid
at the bandstand by their relatives.
Brig Paul Denning, deputy Commandant General of the Royal
Marines, also laid flowers.
He said afterwards: "It has been a brilliant concert in memory
of a very sad occasion.
"It is right to remember people in a celebratory way. Today we
have done them proud."
The Band of Royal Marines from Collingwood also took part in the
day, by marching from the former barracks to the bandstand to take
part in the concert. Crowds lining the streets greeted them with
cheers and applause.
* Eight pages worth of concert coverage this week: call 0800
525450 to order your copy of this week’s East Kent Mercury
today!
Picture Gallery
Photographer Terry Scott captures an unusual view at Sunday's concert
Lt Col Nick Grace conducting the Royal Marines Band from Portsmouth
Photo by Terry Scott
The first female Chelsea Pensioner Winifred Phillips, who used to live in Deal, with friends before the concert
Picture Terry Scott
A clear blue sky at Walmer as a Royal Marine bugler takes part in the impressive stick drill routine
Picture Terry Scott
Brig Paul Denning, deputy Commandant General of the Royal Marines, takes the salute after laying a wreath in memory of the 11 Royal Marines killed in 1989
Picture: Terry Scott
Wednesday, July 08 2009
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