Thousands of people in Suffolk and Essex paid their respects over the weekend to the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price in defence of our freedom.

Stowmarket Mercury: A packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTA packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

In Bury St Edmunds, a remembrance parade and wreath-laying service took place at the War Memorial in Angel Hill. Nicola Urquhart, mother of missing RAF Honington serviceman Corrie McKeague, wrote on Facebook: “Seeing the military...fills me with pride yet breaks my heart at the same time. We were able to share this day with Corries daughter which made it very special. Bury St Edmunds is such a beautiful town, with a wonderful community. It feels like home.”

Stowmarket Mercury: A packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTA packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Kelsale Methodist Church in Saxmundham was packed after a parade, as those gathered watched the poignant laying of the wreath ceremony and sang hymns, the Last Post, and God Save the Queen. Maddie Gallop, town clerk at Saxmundham Town Council, said: “It was an absolutely excellent service. It is so important to realise that people in the past and still today have given up, and continue to give up, their lives so that we can be free.”

Stowmarket Mercury: A packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTA packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

At Sudbury, a parade was led by the Colchester Pipes and Drums from Market Hill to St Gregory’s Church. Wreaths were laid at British and American memorials.

Stowmarket Mercury: A packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTA packed Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds for the annual Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Maroons were fired to start and end a two-minute silence at the War Memorial in Aldeburgh on Armistice Day. A large crowd gathered at Moot Hall for the Service of Remembrance today.

Stowmarket Mercury: NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Phiillip Dunnett, Chairman of Saxmundham Town Council, with Bernard Everitt, Chairman of Saxmundham Royal British Legion.Picture:NIGE BROWN.NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Phiillip Dunnett, Chairman of Saxmundham Town Council, with Bernard Everitt, Chairman of Saxmundham Royal British Legion.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

More than 4,000 people packed out Clacton’s Memorial Gardens. Mark Platt, chairman of Tendring District Council, said: “It was a truly amazing turnout which was the equal of last year’s record attendance.”

Stowmarket Mercury: NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Picture:NIGE BROWN.NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

In Colchester, a private ceremony was held at Merville Barracks’ Memorial Garden for the families of 16 Air Assault Brigade soldiers killed on operations. A traditional remembrance service was held at the town’s War Memorial, along with a parade.

Stowmarket Mercury: NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Picture:NIGE BROWN.NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

The Reverend David Barrett, 16 Air Assault Brigade’s senior chaplain, said: “Together we recall the countless men and women who have given their lives for others in the cause of justice, freedom and peace.

Stowmarket Mercury: NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Band of the Royal British Legion Leiston.Picture:NIGE BROWN.NB 017 Kelsale Methodist Church, Saxmundham Remembrance Day.Band of the Royal British Legion Leiston.Picture:NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

“We honour each one, not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First and Second World Wars but in the many conflicts and military operations that have taken place since.”

Stowmarket Mercury: The Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTTThe Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: The Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTTThe Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: The Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTTThe Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: The Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTTThe Sudbury Remembrance Sunday parade leaves the Market Hill. Picture:ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Chairman of Tendring DIstrict Council, Mark Platt, says a few words at the Remembrance Day service. Picture: NIGEL BROWNChairman of Tendring DIstrict Council, Mark Platt, says a few words at the Remembrance Day service. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Wreaths were laid at Clacton's War Memorial as part of the Remembrance Day service . Picture: NIGEL BROWNWreaths were laid at Clacton's War Memorial as part of the Remembrance Day service . Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Thousands paid their respects at Clacton's War Memorial on Sunday. Picture: NIGEL BROWNThousands paid their respects at Clacton's War Memorial on Sunday. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Clacton Girls Brigade march through the town. Picture: NIGEL BROWNClacton Girls Brigade march through the town. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Thousands visited Clacton's Memorial Gardens for the Remembrance service on Sunday. Picture: NIGEL BROWNThousands visited Clacton's Memorial Gardens for the Remembrance service on Sunday. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: A youngster lays a wreath at Clacton's War Memorial. Picture: NIGEL BROWNA youngster lays a wreath at Clacton's War Memorial. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Members of the Salvation Army. Picture: NIGEL BROWNMembers of the Salvation Army. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Colchester Scout Band. Picture: NIGEL BROWNColchester Scout Band. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Clacton Royal British Legion Chairman Dan Casey lays a wreath. Picture: NIGEL BROWNClacton Royal British Legion Chairman Dan Casey lays a wreath. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Albert Scott at the Clacton Remembrance Day service. Picture: NIGEL BROWNAlbert Scott at the Clacton Remembrance Day service. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Soldiers from 3 Parachute Regimen pay their respects in Clacton. Picture: NIGEL BROWNSoldiers from 3 Parachute Regimen pay their respects in Clacton. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)

Stowmarket Mercury: Paratroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYLParatroopers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Colchester to mark Remembrance Sunday. Picture: SGT JONATHAN LEE VAN ZYL (Image: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2017)