A group photo in front of the tribute to remember all victims of war, with veterans, Public Services students, Royal British Legion volunteers, carpentry and Built Environment staff and sponsors Morgan Sindall and Anglian Scaffolding.
Hundreds of staff and students at West Suffolk College fell silent for the fallen during a Remembrance ceremony that took place in Bury St Edmunds today.
Representatives from the local Royal British Legion (RBL) and Employers were also in attendance during an occasion held at the Built Environment campus of the College.
Proceedings began when two students from Public Services read out statements relating to what Armistice meant to them before head of this department - Clare Fasey - said a few poignant words.
Two minutes of silence was then respectfully observed before the chairman of the Royal British Legion - Mr Bernie Millard - closed proceedings with a short tribute.
Bernie spent seven years in 45 Commando with the Royal Marines. He said: “We are linked with the College and many other schools because we believe strongly, that the youth of the town should be involved in Remembrance. For me it’s a time of reflection and it’s a moving thing when you hear the readings. The poetry of war is very emotive.”
Bernie Millard from Royal British Legion and Andy Swift.
The event took place in the shadow of a giant 12 metre wide and four metre high mural depicting a powerful image that honoured all those affected by conflict.
Ryan Lewis, 20 from Bury St Edmunds, helped create the mural. Ryan said: “I wore a World War II Suffolk regiment outfit in tribute. I’m pleased with how the mural came out. I thought of my grandad (who was in World War II) during the silence.”
Ryan Lewis from Bury St Edmunds helped to make the mural.
Yasmin Johnson, 16 from Bury St Edmunds, is on a policing course at the college and read out a tribute. Yasmin said: “I got involved as I like what it (Remembrance) stands for, and I think this history needs to be shared within younger age groups.
Joshua Dove, 16 from Stowmarket, is also studying policing. Joshua said: “My Grandad was in the RAF when I was growing up and he was an inspiration. It made me want to help people in the future and I got involved (in this ceremony) because I think it’s important to show respect.”
Joshua and Yasmin who read out short speeches as part of the Remembrance ceremony.
This giant mural was created by West Suffolk Carpentry students with support from Anglian Scaffolding who donated and put up the scaffolding, and Morgan Sindall wood donated the wood.
Warren Salmons from Morgan Sindall construction, said: "We have a close link with the college and feel it’s important to work with them on this tribute. It’s an important time to remember."
An aerial photo taken during the Remembrance ceremony at West Suffolk College's Built Environment Campus.
Brian Tunbridge, from West Suffolk College's carpentry department, who came up with the idea for the mural, added: "It’s always an honour to play our part in remembering those across the world who have suffered through conflict."