LIVING once again under the shadow of war - the threat of terrorism and the fragility of peace drew a large crowd to AltonÕs war memorial on Sunday to seek comfort in solidarity and to pay their respects to those who had made the supreme sacrifice in the name of freedom.

A poignant stillness heralded the start of the two-minute silence. As the siren rose and the standards dipped in time-honoured tribute before the Cairn, the crowd stood in solemn reflection.

Having marched through the town, led by the Royal British Legion standard, the uniformed organisations were ranked around the Cairn as British Legion padre Rev Julian Richards opened the service.

They were joined by people young and old who responded to prayers led by Salvation Army captain Richard Hutter. Enhanced by the lesson, read by Sister Helen of AltonÕs Convent of Our Lady of Providence, the prayers sought to reinforce a commitment to justice and peace and to remember all those who gave their lives Òon land, on the sea and in the air that we might liveÓ.

The address was given by RevdRichards who dwelt first on the origin of Remembrance Sunday, which began at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when, at the end of the First World War the guns fell silent in memory of the dead.

The tradition was continued to embrace those who fell during the second world war.

It was 83 years since the end of Òthat dreadful war of so many deathsÓ and old men still speak of those comrades who gave up so much and died so young - Òmany men from many countries who made the ultimate sacrificeÓ said Rev Richards.

This year, pointed out the padre, when the country was once again at war with British troops helping to spearhead the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, it was perhaps significant that the traditional silence had fallen on Remembrance Sunday.

With only one year passing since 1945 when a British service man or woman had not been killed on active service, RevRichards felt it was wonderful that there were still young people coming forward with the qualities required by the armed forces - Òa love of liberty, justice, country and concern for othersÓ who have the courage and commitment to lay down their lives in Òthe spirit of sacrificeÓ.

The placing of the wreaths at the foot of the Cairn to commemorate the dead was led by town mayor David Willoughby on behalf of Alton Town Council. He was followed by Tony Ludlow representing Hampshire County Council and Jim McKell on behalf of East Hampshire District Council.

Wreaths were laid also by the Royal British Legion, the Burma Star Association, the Royal Hampshire Regiment, the Royal Airforce Association, the Royal British Legion Club, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Constabulary, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade, Scouts Association, Guides Association, St John Ambulance Brigade, All Saints Church, Amery Hill School, and the relatives.

As the Union Jack fluttered in the breeze, flags remained lowered in respect and the congregation rose with one voice to sing the National Anthem, led by the Basingstoke Town Silver Band.