Royal British Legion Remembrance Sunday ceremonies unite hundreds across Costa Blanca

Hundreds of veterans, families and residents gathered across the southern Costa Blanca on Sunday, November 8, to honour those who lost their lives in military service. Royal British Legion branches organised moving Remembrance Sunday ceremonies in Mil Palmeras, Torrevieja and Ciudad Quesada, bringing British and Spanish communities together to remember the fallen while raising funds to support veterans and their families.

More than 500 attend Mil Palmeras remembrance service

More than 500 veterans, relatives and residents gathered in Mil Palmeras to honour those who lost their lives in military service.

The annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony took place at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras, with an outdoor screen allowing those unable to fit inside the chapel to follow the service.

Now in its 18th year, the commemoration brought together British and Spanish residents from across the southern Costa Blanca and Mar Menor.

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of the Royal British Legion organised this year’s ceremony, taking over responsibility from the Royal Naval Association.

Torrevieja Pipes and Drums led the parade of military standards, while Pastor Phil Molloy conducted the service in English and Spanish.

Music was provided by the Lyrical Choir and Costa Blanca International Concert Band. Bugler Mark Benton sounded the Last Post and Reveille.

Among those attending were Pilar de la Horadada Mayor Jose Maria Perez Sanchez and British Vice-Consul Sara Munsterhjelm.

After the service, wreaths were laid at the International Garden of Remembrance, where members of the public also placed poppy crosses.

The collection will support Royal British Legion welfare work for veterans and their families living in Spain.

Torrevieja branch holds three remembrance ceremonies

Members of the Royal British Legion’s Torrevieja Branch marked Remembrance Sunday with three ceremonies across the Costa Blanca, welcoming ten new members along the way.

The branch, the oldest in Spain District North, began the day at its Memorial Garden in La Siesta, where Torrevieja Mayor Eduardo Dolon laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

Branch Vice-Chairman David Longworth laid a wreath for the Legion, while Michael Elliott represented the Royal Naval Association.

Serving military personnel, veterans, Legion members and local residents attended, with members of the public placing remembrance crosses in memory of loved ones.

The branch then moved to The Corner Flag sports bar for a ceremony timed to coincide with the Cenotaph commemorations in Britain.

A third service followed at The Club Quesada, where entertainment was provided by Posh Affaire Show Band.

Standard bearers and volunteers support commemorations

Standard bearers Mary Lou, Bruce Card and Miguel Martinez took part in all three Torrevieja Branch ceremonies, while Branch Chairman Jack Kemp delivered remembrance addresses.

The branch welcomed ten new members during the day, alongside 80 new members joining its Facebook group.

The branch thanked its volunteers and local communities for supporting all three events.

Across the ceremonies, wreaths and remembrance crosses offered veterans, families and members of the public an opportunity to pay their respects and remember loved ones.

The participation of local mayors, military representatives, musicians and volunteers also reflected the strong links between the Royal British Legion and communities across the Costa Blanca.

Poppy Appeal donations help veterans in Spain

As well as remembering those who died in military service, the ceremonies highlighted the Royal British Legion’s continuing work to support veterans and their families.

Donations collected for the Poppy Appeal through the Torrevieja Branch events will help the Royal British Legion provide that support in Spain.

The collection at Mil Palmeras will also contribute towards the Legion’s welfare work for veterans and their families living in the country.

With more than 500 attending the Mil Palmeras service alone and three further ceremonies organised by the Torrevieja Branch, Remembrance Sunday once again brought communities together across the southern Costa Blanca.