HUNDREDS of people gathered under bright blue skies at Shaw's Corner on Sunday, to remember those who had died serving their country in wars.
The congregation was reminded that the service was as important today as it has ever been and that conflicts continue in the world, to the ultimate cost of young lives.
Among those paying their respects was the mother of Lance Corporal James Hill, of Redhill, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan three years ago.
The 23-year-old was killed in an explosion in Helmand Province, in October 2009, while on tour with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.
Lance Corporal Hill was just four days into his tour with the Guards when the incident happened, near Camp Bastion.
After the service at the Redhill memorial, conducted by the Reverend John Joseph, minister at Redhill United Reformed Church, Mrs Hill wiped tears from her eyes as she stood by a special memorial stone laid two years ago in memory of her son, a former pupil of St Bede's School.
Lance Corporal Hill is buried at Redstone Cemetery, in Philanthropic Road.
The Remembrance event had begun with the traditional parade and residents lined the streets to watch Scouts, Cadets, representatives of the police and Surrey Fire and Rescue, together with Justices of the Peace among those processing.
During the two minutes' silence, with standards lowered, the poignant calmness was only punctuated by the distant drone of the M25, the cry of a seagull and a baby gently coughing.
A teenager from St John Ambulance fainted during the playing of the Last Post.
The Exhortation was spoken by Major Alan Andrews of The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment before wreaths were laid by various organisations.
