Moving ceremony at RAF Lakenheath

SERVICEMEN and women stopped for their fallen colleagues on Friday in a moving ceremony at RAF Lakenheath.

Both the American and British national anthems were played across the outdoor crowd and a wreath was laid in memory of those who had fought for their country but never returned.

A firing squad ended proceedings as colleagues saluted to a minute's silence and they paid respect to those they may have never known, colleagues, and the families of those who were killed, missing in action or who were captured.

The day had begun with the name of every man and woman killed or still missing read over a loudspeaker, alongside their date of birth and state.

Guest of honour was second world war serviceman Private Les Allen, who was a prisoner of war for four years.

He was presented with a glass tail fin of an F15 plane and took time to speak to the audience.

Wing Commander Jay Silveria, who addressed the crowd, reminded them that to date 88,000 US servicemen and women had not returned home.

He added: “They're still on duty and their families wait patiently for their return. We will never forget our duty to bring home those missing in action and prisoners of war.”