COMMUNITIES across the three counties gathered today to remember those who gave their lives in two World Wars and other conflicts.

Parades and services took place in towns and villages, with poppy wreaths laid on behalf of many of the groups and organisations representing people in the area.

Umbrellas and rain coats may have been in abundance, but the bad weather did not stop those wishing to pay their respects at their local war memorial.

In Cardigan, the ATC band led the parade. Among those in attendance were Cardigan Town Band, Cardigan Army Cadets, and representatives of other town groups and organisations including the town council, Royal British Legion, and youth groups and organisations.

The first wreath was laid by The High Sheriff of Dyfed, JWP Lewis, and the mayor of Cardigan, Councillor John Adams-Lewis, laid a wreath on behalf of the town council. Sgt. Thomas and Cpl. Harvey of the Mortar Platoon of the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards were among those laying wreaths. The Last Post was played by Sgt Daniel Ramsbottom.

In Cilgerran the service was conducted by the former High Sheriff of Dyfed, Cllr John Davies and among those with a role to play during the ceremony at the war memorial was Dyfrig Dellar, who presented a poppy on behalf of the children of the community.

Those taking part in the parade in Newport included local councillors, the Royal British Legion and Sea Cadets.

Stephen Crabb, Secretary of State for Wales and the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, was among those to issue a Remembrance Day message today.

He said: "On Remembrance Sunday, we stand together as a nation to pay tribute to the generations of service men and women who lost their lives serving our country, and defending our freedom and democracy.

"It is an occasion when we step out of our busy lives, when we pause from enjoying the liberty and opportunities that were won at such a cost, in order to say, 'thank you' and 'we will remember you'.

"In Wales, we have a long and distinguished military history. We can all be rightly proud of the utmost professionalism and unyielding dedication our service men and women have shown. The people of Wales will always honour, with respect and appreciation, the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

"We also reflect on current conflicts around the world, and the daily sacrifices made by those who continue to defend our values and way of life. Our thoughts and thanks are with them, as well as with their loved ones, who miss them but support them every step of the way.

"As we bow our heads in silence, we join together as a nation to show that their commitment does not go unnoticed, and that their sacrifices will never be forgotten."

He was representing the government and nation at a service of remembrance in Cardiff where he laid a wreath at the Wales National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park.