Members of the armed forces marched alongside scout groups and school children from across the area as residents gathered in the town centre.
One member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers said the event had a good turnout, but he was concerned that Remembrance Day events were not attracting enough people.
The 34-year-old, who has been in the army for more than 16 years and is based on Torney Island, said: “I was getting my hair cut and there was a young guy there, he was in his 20s. . He did not know what Armistice Day was and what Memorial Sunday was. It shocked me.
As for Emsworth parade, he added: “I’m disappointed with the lack of exposure. I didn’t see any signs.’
Two Emsworth residents who have lived in the area for more than a decade and asked not to be named agreed to the lack of publicity, saying they had heard about the event earlier in the day.
One resident, aged 75, said: “It needs a lot more publicity.” And it all ended so quickly. It was very strange.”
Another resident in his 80s was selling poppy badges as part of the Royal British Legion appeal and was disappointed there were no poppies on display during the parade.
She said: “I don’t think people really understand events like this. The problem is that it can be repetitive. It’s always the same thing, that’s the problem.”
