HAVING attended the Remembrance Parade in Corporation Park, Blackburn, I feel that it was sorely lacking in the solemnity appropriate to the occasion.

Over past years, the marking of the beginning and end of the silence has been a shocking explosion which set off alarms and caused hysterical giggles amongst the young people.

This year, I am pleased to say, was an improvement, but still too close for comfort.

Surely, with today's communication facilities, thee could be a better way more fitting to honour the dead?

Was it impossible for the band to play an appropriate piece of music during the wreath laying ceremony? It would have discouraged all the idle chatter and laughter which I heard going on all around me.

The TA soldiers standing by the gates, having just walked down from detonating the explosion, gave the impression that they had finished their job and were now on a "jolly," totally oblivious to those around who were trying to show respect.

The prayers following were completely lost and I came away wishing that I had spent the time at home watching television. At least, there in silence, I could have concentrated on thoughts more appropriate to the day instead of hearing one man regaling his friends with his war time exploits which had nothing to do with valour, believe me.

The young people had more respect than these who were old enough to know better.

EILEEN M EASTHAM (Mrs), Milton Close, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.