After a moment of silence and reflection, the sentiment at Remembrance Sunday services across Sussex was clear yesterday: “We will remember them.”

Dozens of towns across the county held events which saw the laying of poppy wreaths, a reminder of the fields in Flanders when tens of thousands died in the First World War.

In Brighton, hundreds of people, young and old, stood around the war memorial in Old Steine to reflect.

A parade of dignitaries, cadets and ex-servicemen marched past before wreaths were laid.

The firing of the Brighton Sea Cadets field gun, which last saw action in the Boxer uprising in 1901, marked the start of a two minute silence at 11am.

See the picture gallery from the Brighton and Hove services.

Brighton and Hove mayor Bill Randall and Peter Field, the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, were the first to lay wreaths.

They were followed by city MPs Caroline Lucas and Simon Kirby, councillors, members of the armed forces, emergency services, veterans’ organisations and uniformed groups.

Des Prichard, the chief fire officer of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Great turnout at the Old Steine for the parade. Good to see the veterans and the young people in the cadets.”

Bikers honour veterans

At 2.30pm, a ceremony was held at the war memorial in Grand Avenue, Hove, before a service of remembrance in All Saints Church in The Drive.

Later the Brighton and Hove branch of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Service held a service of remembrance at the synagogue in New Church Road, Hove.

Elsewhere, about 45 bikers belonging to various branches of Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) set off in convoy from Upper Beeding, near Steyning, to lay a wreath at Southwick Green.

John Mitchell, of MAG, said: “We had also been collecting for the Royal British Legion and were made very welcome by the members of Lancing branch when we returned our collecting tins after the service.”

Adur District Council chairman Peter Metcalf laid a wreath at Shoreham War Memorial at 11am and again in Lancing at 3pm.

Coun Metcalfe said: “I’m very proud and honoured to represent the towns and residents of Adur at this year’s remembrance service.

“Not only are we remembering the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in the great wars, but to also those and their families who have served and continue to serve in all the conflicts and operations that continue today around the world.”

In Worthing the annual service and march past took place at the war memorial in Chapel Road.

The town’s mayor, Charles James, and Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Susan Pyper laid wreaths for the fallen.

A memorial service in East Hoathly, near Lewes, followed a night of torchlight parades and a bonfire in the village.

Events were also held in Newhaven, Ditchling, Lewes, Crowborough, Seaford and Peacehaven, among many others.

The simple stance of standing and remembering came after hundreds of people volunteered to sell poppies in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Among them were members of Hove and Adur Sea Cadets who were at Sainsbury’s West Hove store in Old Shoreham Road.