ACF cadet, LCpl Alfie Tucker from from City Of London And North East Sector ACF, represented the Army Cadet Force Association and the Combined Cadet Force Association at this year’s opening of the Field of Remembrance.
Royal representative Prince Harry officially opened the Field during the special ceremony on Thursday 9 November at Westminster Abbey.
The ACFA and CCFA plot hosts a cross for every detachment and contingent across the country with donations for every cross going to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
LCpl Alfie Tucker (14) said: “It’s great to honour the people who have fought for us. Their courage and their valour in battle - it makes me feel proud that I’m here today.”
This is the 89th year that the event has taken place to remember those in the Armed Forces who have lost their lives.
The Field has 380 plots laid out in the names of military organisations and associations on the North Green of the Abbey.
Organised and run by The Poppy Factory, the country’s leading employment charity for veterans with health conditions or impairments, Remembrance symbols are made by veterans working at the factory in Richmond, and are planted in these plots, often with hand written messages, from family, friends or colleagues.
At the opening of the Field, Prince Harry laid a Cross of Remembrance which was followed by the Last Post and the chimes of Big Ben to signify the beginning of a two-minute silence. He then toured the plots meeting veterans and he also spoke with a group of Army Cadets who were in attendance.
The Field of Remembrance will stay open until Sunday 19 November and members of the public are invited to lay their own crosses with all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.
