New tribute unveiled at Woodsetton War Memorial honouring the fallen - PICTURES and VIDEO
A permanent steel wreath was laid to mark the centenary of the First World War and the re-dedication of a memorial.
The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, and Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands John Crabtree were the main guests.
Also attending to pay tribute at Woodsetton War Memorial were Captain Andy Peters and Army Reserves, Dudley Sea Cadets and Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
WATCH highlights from the event
The Royal British Legion was represented along with members of St John Ambulance, West Midlands Fire Service and pupils from Dudley College’s public service department.
Members from Black Country Brass Band played when the wreath, which reads ‘1918 – 100 years – 2018’ was laid as part of a re-dedication ceremony on Sunday.
The tribute was made by Edward Cartwright and the stone and engraving was completed by Co-op Memorials in Walsall.
Labour Party councillors Keiran Casey and Adam Aston, who represent Upper Gornal and Woodsetton, helped raise money for the wreath and organised the service.
The Woodsetton War Memorial, originally sited at Mount Tabor Methodist Church, was moved to the corner of Sedgley Road and Parkes Hall Road in 2016 to save it from falling into disrepair.
Councillor Casey said the event was important to pay tribute to those who died.
He said: “I think it’s one of the most important things we can do from my point of view. We paid tribute and gave thanks to the people who gave their lives for our freedom.
“They paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend everything that sometimes we take for granted. We should never forget that.
"With this year being the centenary, we thought we could get the new wreath installed and it would be a permanent tribute to say thanks for the people who gave their lives for our freedom.
“The service was fantastic and it was great to see a lot of people who came from the local community paying tribute to people on the memorial and for the sacrifices still being made.”
