People from across Hitchin and the wider area gathered in their masses at war memorials and services on Remembrance Sunday to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in conflict.

The marking of remembrance in 2021 holds considerable significance, as the Royal British Legion celebrates its centenary year, and as many services were scaled back last year due to the pandemic.

Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami attended the service at St Mary's, alongside representatives from North Hertfordshire Council, including leader Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg.

The Comet: Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, pays a respectful bow in front of the war memorial at St Mary's, Hitchin on Remembrance SundayBim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, pays a respectful bow in front of the war memorial at St Mary's, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

He said: "It was a wonderful service at St Mary’s, and it was so moving to see Hitchin come together to honour those who have given their lives in defence of our country. I was honoured to be asked to read the lesson.

"I would like to thank Rev. Christopher Bunce for his stewardship of the service and the whole event."

Cllr Ian Albert, Chair of Hitchin Committee, also attended the service on behalf of North Hertfordshire Council.

He said: "It was a huge privilege and honour to lay a wreath on Sunday on behalf of the residents of North Herts Council area at Hitchin War Memorial.

"In these difficult times, it was great to see so many people of all ages come to remember those who had fought on our behalf in two world wars and conflicts since then."

The Comet: A army cadets marches after leaving wreath at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021A army cadets marches after leaving wreath at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021 (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

The Comet: Wreath layers at the 2021 Remembrance Sunday memorial service at St Mary’s, PirtonWreath layers at the 2021 Remembrance Sunday memorial service at St Mary’s, Pirton (Image: Ickleford Parish Council)

The Comet: The 2021 Remembrance Sunday memorial service at St Mary’s, PirtonThe 2021 Remembrance Sunday memorial service at St Mary’s, Pirton (Image: Ickleford Parish Council)

The Comet: Poppies and crosses at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021Poppies and crosses at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021 (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

The Comet: Scouts waiting outside St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021Scouts waiting outside St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021 (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

The Comet: Scouts at Pirton's 2021 Remembrance Sunday serviceScouts at Pirton's 2021 Remembrance Sunday service (Image: Ickleford Parish Council)

The Comet: Representatives from all political parties gathered together to sing at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance SundayRepresentatives from all political parties gathered together to sing at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

The Comet: Poppies laid at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021Poppies laid at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday 2021 (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

The Comet: Wreath layers at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance SundayWreath layers at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

The Comet: Army cadets waiting to enter St Mary's Church in Hitchin on Remembrance SundayArmy cadets waiting to enter St Mary's Church in Hitchin on Remembrance Sunday (Image: Martin Wootton Photography)

The Comet: Scouts pay their respects to the fallen as the Last Post plays at Pirton's Remembrance Sunday memorialScouts pay their respects to the fallen as the Last Post plays at Pirton's Remembrance Sunday memorial (Image: Ickleford Parish Council)