THOUSANDS of people in South East Cornwall on Sunday braved the heat to honour the veterans and the fallen of the Second World War as part of the nation's 60th VE and VJ Day anniversary commemorations. More than 3,000 people were in the grounds of Boconnoc for the official Cornish remembrance, one of the South West's biggest gatherings, named the Royal British Legion's 'Nation's biggest Thank you.' President of the RBL in Cornwall, Simon Coy, former commanding officer at RAF St Mawgan, summed up the mood of an emotional and joyful day by saying: 'The veterans are the VIPs today and we salute them for their service and sacrifice.' Dignitaries, both civilian and from the armed forces joined the large crowds, among them many young people of today, who saluted the dozens of proud veterans, who with their comrades who didn't come home, gave them their 'tomorrow'.
Large screen The war memorial at Boconnoc was the centre of the remembrance service and a huge march past and the crowds were also able to watch the televised big celebrations in London, led by the Queen, on a large screen. At Saltash, the streets were also crowded for the town's own commemoration which took the form of a parade with forces representatives and veterans and many standards, which was followed by a service of 'thanksgiving, reconciliation and hope' at St Nicholas and St Faith Church. The day ended with a celebration at Kimberley Stadium.