THE public square outside County Hall in Chelmsford has been renamed Remembrance Square, in honour of members of the Armed Forces who’ve served in past conflicts.

Essex County Council chairman, Councillor Norman Hume, led the ceremony, which also commemorated those who have served and continue to serve in the Forces.

Councillor Hume said: “The ceremony today was an opportunity to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the centenary year of World War One, and to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts.

“Remembrance Square is a space for residents and visitors to the county to reflect on the past and more recent conflicts in which the Armed Forces and communities gave so much.”

It follows a special ceremony in the French village of Beaumont Hamel where a commemorative stone was unveiled and laid into the wall of Hamel Church to commemorate the 1st Battalion Essex Regiment and those who lost their lives in the 1916 Battle of the Somme.

Councillor Hume, alongside Mayor Councillor Bob Villa, represented Essex at the ceremony.

The event was held at the invitation of a local Essex resident Dr Ted Bailey who, through fundraising and donations, was able to have a stone carved.

Councillor Hume said: “This was a poignant and reflective ceremony where we were joined by many Hamel residents to remember those who gave their lives for others.”

Councillor Villa added: “It was a simple, moving and reflective ceremony, bringing to reality the many who gave their lives in the service of their country. It was a great honour to attend the ceremony and lay down a wreath in recognition of their sacrifice.”