John Finlay, 66, from Dalkeith, served as a Radio Operator in the Royal Navy from 1974 to 1979, stationed at the HMS Cochrane naval base in Rosyth. Now living with sight loss due to diabetes, John is marking an emotional milestone: 50 years since he first took part in London’s Remembrance Day Cenotaph Parade as a young recruit.
This November, for the first time in half a century, he will proudly march once again, this time with Sight Scotland Veterans, a charity that has supported him and many others in adapting to life with sight loss.
John explains: “Remembrance Day is about honouring those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. So many young people endured unimaginable sacrifices, and it’s our duty to remember them.”
John first marched in the Cenotaph Parade as a 15-year-old boy in 1974, only months after joining the Royal Navy.
“At that age, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of what I was taking part in, I was focused on not making mistakes. I was proud, but I didn’t appreciate the weight of it all. Now, 50 years on, I see it very differently.
“Taking part in the Cenotaph Parade, especially half a century after I first did so, is something I never thought I’d experience again. I’m incredibly grateful to Sight Scotland Veterans for this opportunity. It’s an honour and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many young people for our freedoms. This isn’t just a march; it’s a way of saying, ‘We remember you. We’ll never forget.’
“Being shoulder to shoulder with others who have served is a tremendous privilege. It’s a proud, emotional moment, a chance to remember those who gave their lives for our country, and the friends and family we’ve lost along the way.”
Marching with Sight Scotland Veterans holds deep significance for John, as the charity has been a lifeline, helping him rebuild his confidence and forge new connections. He is a regular at the Linburn Centre in West Lothian, where he has built friendships and discovered new passions.
John adds: “Sight loss can be very isolating, especially when you’re also in a wheelchair, like I am. But the charity helps us connect and opens doors to experiences we thought we’d lost, like being able to march at the Cenotaph.
“I look forward to going to Linburn every week, I’ve made so many new friends and love all the activities. I can’t thank them enough.”
Sight Scotland Veterans supports veterans living with significant sight loss. Its support equips people to rediscover and maintain their independence and to improve their quality of life.
The Linburn Centre in Wilkieston, West Lothian, is an activity hub for ex-servicemen and women with sight loss, which provides a safe and welcoming space for veterans with sight loss to re-engage in the local community, rebuild confidence and regain or maintain their independence.
Twenty-two veterans from Sight Scotland Veterans will journey to London to participate in the Cenotaph Parade on 10 November 2024, a highlight of the Remembrance Day commemorations.
His Majesty The King will lead the nation, alongside the Prime Minister and defence chiefs, in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict
Almost 10,000 veterans will march past Cenotaph in tribute to servicemen and women that made the ultimate sacrifice
For the first time veterans of Britain’s nuclear testing programme will wear new medals announced by the Prime Minister to recognise their special service
In the first Remembrance Sunday service since the Coronation in May of this year, His Majesty The King will be joined by Members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians, defence chiefs and faith leaders to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.
Around 10,000 veterans and 800 Armed Forces personnel members from all three services will march past the Cenotaph on Sunday, with thousands more members of the public expected to line Whitehall in London to pay their respects.
Remembrance Sunday is a time of extraordinary unity as communities gather to remember all those who have died on our behalf and tens of thousands of Armed Forces personnel will take part in Remembrance services and events across the country and around the world, including on operations overseas. The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph will be broadcast live by the BBC and Sky News.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The courage and commitment shown by our servicemen and women, both today and throughout the generations that came before them, is humbling and I know many across the country will be honouring their memory today in quiet reflection.
“Recent events have served as a stark reminder that we cannot take the hard-earned peace we live in for granted, which is why I am honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the nation in the memory of all those that have lost their lives defending our country and the values we hold so close.
“I am determined to ensure we never forget the ultimate sacrifice they have made.”
Of the 9,910 individuals marching this year, 304 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations will be represented, as well as around 300 veterans not affiliated with an association, who have been invited by The Royal British Legion to march for the first time.
Those marching will also include Nuclear Test Veterans who for the first time, will wear a medal acknowledging their important service.
The Nuclear Test Medal was announced by the Prime Minister in November 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon, and recognises military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.
Among those marching will be people of all ages – from 100-year-old Second World War veterans through to children of servicemen and women who have died in conflict, with the youngest marcher being just eight years old.
Many of those marching will reflect particularly on conflicts which mark a major anniversary this year, such as the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement and the 20th anniversary of the start of the UK’s military operations in Iraq.
Among the hundreds of Armed Forces personnel on parade at the Cenotaph will be Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and the service chiefs of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As the nation comes together to remember all those who died serving their country, we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the entire Armed Forces community and thank all those in uniform who protect our country and its way of life.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “For the men and women that gave their today for our tomorrow.
“For the generations before that fought for the freedom of the generation after. For those who stood up, fought for and died to protect our values – today we thank and remember them. I encourage everyone, no matter where you are, to join us in a national two-minute silence in memory of those who served our country.”
Remembrance also reminds us of our solemn responsibility to support the entire Armed Forces community all year round.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has been leading government efforts to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran. This includes launching Op FORTITUDE, a new housing pathway earlier this year, and Op COURAGE, a dedicated mental healthcare pathway.
The Defence Secretary has also made it his personal priority to ensure serving personnel are properly supported during their time on active duty. This week the Ministry of Defence will announce the roll out of more than £400 million of improvements to living accommodation for service personnel, including upgrades to more than 4,000 military homes.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said: “Today we remember those who sacrificed so much for our country and the freedoms we enjoy.
“20 years after the start of the Iraq War, I know that during the two minute’s silence at eleven o’clock, I will be remembering in particular those veterans of that conflict, and the contribution they made.
“This year is also particularly poignant, as it is the first year our Nuclear Test Veterans will march past the Cenotaph with their new medal.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “At the Cenotaph, around the country and on operations overseas, members of the Armed Forces will pause to remember all those who have died in service of their country.
“The legacy of the fallen lives on in the dedication and duty of today’s Armed Forces.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said: “Remembrance is about bringing communities and individuals together to honour the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community, past and present.
“This year, 60 years on, we are remembering the extraordinary contribution of the millions of National Servicemen conscripted during the post-war years, as well as the sacrifices made by those who served in the Korean War 70 years ago.
“We also mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and the contribution of the Windrush generation, who travelled from the Caribbean to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War.
“Our Armed Forces make sacrifices every day so we can enjoy our freedoms and way of life. This weekend we encourage people to take a moment to reflect and remember their service.”
THIS morning I will remember my dear old friend TONY DELAHOY who served his country with distinction during the Second World War.
Tony was fortunate enough to survive the war but he never forgot those comrades he fought alongside but had to leave behind.
Last month, friends and family gathered at the Lauriston Farm for a lunch to celebrate Tony’s life and a tree was planted in his honour.
‘A true gentleman’ was a phrase oft repeated on a very special day for all those community members who were privileged to attend.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, and military personnel to pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday.
Hundreds gathered on the Royal Mile near the Stone of Remembrance at the City Chambers to remember all those who gave their lives in conflicts over the years.
The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers, followed by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, veterans, and representatives from the three Armed Services.
Following the firing of the One O’Clock Gun from Edinburgh Castle at 11am, they joined people across the country in falling silent for two minutes of reflection.
After a short ceremony, wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the First Minister, the Lord Provost, Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, Chiefs of all three Armed Services, veterans associations and others. This was followed by a service of remembrance at St Giles Cathedral.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Remembrance Sunday honours the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life. It also gives us the opportunity to mark the service and sacrifice our veterans and those still serving in our Armed Forces community have made, and continue to make, to defend our freedoms.
“At this time of year, many families in Scotland come together to remember their loved ones and it is an opportunity for everyone to pause, reflect and be thankful. We remember them with pride. They will never be forgotten.”
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is vital that we do not forget those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
“Today is a chance to come together and remember all the servicemen and women who gave their lives over the years, as well as those who returned with physical or mental scars.
“As we recognise the extraordinary sacrifices our Armed Forces community continue to make, it is also a chance to express our hopes for a peaceful future.”
Further commemorations took place around Scotland, including services at Glasgow Garden of Remembrance at George Square, and other locations.
National two-minute silence takes place to remember those who died in conflict
Members of the Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
Around 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans will march past the Cenotaph to pay tribute to their fallen comrades
A national two-minute silence led by His Majesty The King will take place across the UK today as the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph takes place to remember all those who have died in conflict since the First World War.
As well as the two-minute silence taking place at 11am, wreaths will be laid by Members of the Royal Family, senior politicians and faith representatives at the Cenotaph.
Approximately 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans, representing 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations, will take part in the March Past; they will be joined by an estimated 10,000 members of the public who will line Whitehall to watch the service.
Among those marching will be 100-year-old Second World War veterans and those who served in recent conflicts including in Afghanistan. 400 members of the South Atlantic Medal Association will march past the Cenotaph to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. They will also be joined by bereaved family members with the youngest marcher aged eight years old.
For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to attend their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on BBC One, Sky and ITV as well as on YouTube.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This year more than ever, we are reminded of the huge debt of gratitude we owe those who lay down their lives to protect their country.
“As we fall silent together on Remembrance Sunday, we will honour the memories of the men and women we have lost and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of Ukraine as they continue their fight for freedom.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Remembrance Sunday gives us the chance to come together to remember all those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. This year’s service is particularly poignant as we think of our friends and allies in Ukraine.
“I would encourage everyone, no matter where they are, to come together in silence at 11am to remember and give thanks for the sacrifices made by so many.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Remembrance Sunday is a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our veterans and service personnel on operations around the world. We must never forget those who gave their lives in defence of our values and our great nation.
“All of us will also be thinking of those brave Ukrainians who are fighting for their very own survival to defend freedom and democracy for all, just as the UK and Commonwealth soldiers did in both world wars.
“Today, members of the UK Armed Forces at Cenotaph and around the world will come together to honour all those who came before them.”
The Royal British Legion’s Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson said: “As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we pay tribute to Her Late Majesty The Queen, The Royal British Legion’s Patron of 70 years and longest serving Commander-in-Chief of the British military.
“Her Late Majesty was dedicated to duty and epitomised the service and commitment shown by our Armed Forces community, thousands of who will march past the Cenotaph where she laid her wreath each year.
“Her Late Majesty’s deep bond with the military lives on with His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. Similar Royal British Legion ceremonies will be uniting communities across the nation in Remembrance and today is an opportunity for us all to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who serve, past and present.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, and military personnel to remember the fallen in Edinburgh this morning.
The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers at 10:30am, followed by veterans, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and representatives from the three Armed Services.
The One O’Clock Gun will fire at 11am from Edinburgh Castle, as the country falls silent for two minutes in memory of those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.
Legion Scotland National Padre Revd Dr Karen Campbell will then lead a short service. Wreaths will then be laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the First Minister, the Lord Provost, Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, Chiefs of all three Armed Services, veterans associations and others.
Commemorations will also be taking place across Scotland on Sunday morning.
To mark this November’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has created an exclusive poppy pin badge in partnership with the Royal British Legion (RBL) to support their annual Poppy Appeal fundraising campaign.
In addition to donating all the proceeds from this exclusive poppy, the Shop at Freemasons’ Hall is selling Brothers in Alms books for £5, with a portion of the proceeds going to the RBL.
For the third year in a row, there will also be a display projected onto Freemasons’ Hall from 11:00pm on 10 November to 11:59pm on 13 November, featuring falling poppies and the commemorative RBL/Freemasons’ pin badge.
Inside Freemasons’ Hall, the ‘Brothers in Alms – Peace through sacrifice’ exhibition showcases rare photographs spanning the period from the second Boer War through to the end of World War Two, and features those who led as well as those who served on land, sea and in the air.
It portrays the great landscape of the conflicts across all continents and the diversity of the participants.
The exhibition includes images of Freemasons who held a large range of military positions, including Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener who was Secretary of State for War at the start of the Great War and is depicted on the famous ‘Your country needs you’ recruitment poster of 1914.
It also highlights the great charitable work by Freemasons both during and after the wars, in building and supporting hospitals and rehabilitation housing, and providing pensions for ex-servicemen.
When visiting Freemasons’ Hall, which was originally built as the Masonic Peace Memorial in 1933, members of the public will be able to see a bronze poppy that is permanently situated in the Vestibules as a symbol of reflection and contemplation for those men and women who have served and sacrificed.
In 2021, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent on behalf of the United Grand Lodge of England signed the Armed Forces Covenant to promote their welfare, support and respect.
Free travel for military and ex-military personnel available again on 11th and 13th November
The operator has now extended the offer to include cadets wearing uniform
Available on all Stagecoach bus and tram services across the country
Transport operator proud member of Armed Forces Covenant
Stagecoach has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the armed forces by extending its new policy of free travel for veterans and military personnel to include cadets who wish to attend remembrance services. Free travel will be valid on its bus and tram services right across the UK on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The commitment to free travel, which is now in its second year, comes on the back of the launch of Stagecoach’s employee led Veteran’s Network. The network was launched last year to allow Stagecoach colleagues to come together as one voice to make change, raise awareness, help influence business decisions and introduce new ways of working to make the company even stronger.
As a cause that is close to the hearts of its employees and customers, Stagecoach has been a long-time supporter of the Poppy Appeal, and in addition to free travel on 11th and 13th November, Stagecoach will be operating a number of Poppy Buses across its network. Poppies will also be displayed on the front of buses across the country with some destination blinds showing the messaging “We will remember them”.
Employees across Stagecoach will also respect the two minutes silence and where safe to do so, drivers may pull over to honour this.
Stagecoach has also been a member of the Armed Force Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families to both the country and businesses across the country.
With Remembrance services planned at memorials across UK, it is hoped that people wishing to pay their respects will take up the offer to travel for free to the service of their choice.
This commitment from Stagecoach allows for the business to unite and to offer free travel to all military, ex-military and cadet customers and it will continue each year on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday as well as Armed Forces Weekend.
Simon Tramalloni, Operations Manager in Preston & Chorley is co-lead for the Stagecoach Veterans Network. He previously served in the Armed Forces serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa and the Middle East.
He said: “After the idea came about last year, I am so proud that we are now able to offer this to military cadets and celebrate a second year of offering free travel to military and ex-military personnel.
“Stagecoach has a strong commitment to supporting the armed forces and our veterans, and we have thousands of ex forces personnel working across our business.
“The Veterans Network is allowing us to build on the work that Stagecoach has led over many years to identify how else we can support those veterans already working for us and those that may want to come and join the company.
“Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal are causes close to the hearts of many of our employees and customers and we are very pleased to be making this commitment that will hopefully help people to attend memorials across the UK.”
Dozens of Edinburgh and the Lothians’ most iconic landmarks, tourist destinations and businesses are being urged to “Light Up Red” in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
From castles to council buildings, schools to statues, Poppyscotland is encouraging buildings across Scotland to take part in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on November 13th.
The charity hopes to surpass last year’s record total of around 300 buildings taking part nationwide, including Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Airport, Cockenzie House & Gardens, and Loanhead Parish Church.
Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to the flood or up-lights to join Poppyscotland in showing support for the Armed Forces community.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million for the charity’s welfare work with veterans, servicemen and women and their families.
Three million poppies, handmade by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, are already on their journey around the country.
Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “It’s always wonderful to see so many landmarks across Edinburgh and the Lothians lighting up red for the Poppy Appeal. This is a fitting and poignant tribute to our Armed Forces community, and we know it means a lot to them to see this visual support for their contribution, past and present.
“We’ve been delighted how this idea has captured people’s imaginations, and are very grateful for the support of so many businesses and other organisations.
Free travel for military and ex-military personnel on 11thand 14th November
Commitment will continue annually
New employee led Veterans Network key to Stagecoach commitment
Stagecoach has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the armed forces by announcing that it will be offering free travel for veterans and military personnel on its bus and tram services right across the UK on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The commitment to free travel, which will be ongoing every year, comes on the back of Stagecoach’s newly launched employee led Veterans Network.
The network was launched to allow Stagecoach colleagues to come together as one voice to make change, raise awareness, help influence business decisions and introduce new ways of working to make the company even stronger.
The Veteran Network is also currently engaging with the armed forces on a recruitment campaign directly targeting those who are leaving the military to find job opportunities at Stagecoach.
As a cause that is close to the hearts of its employees and customers, Stagecoach has been a long-time supporter of the Poppy Appeal, and in addition to free travel on 11th and 14th November, Stagecoach will be operating a number of Poppy Buses across its network, including Merseyside & South Lancashire, Cumbria & North Lancashire, Portsmouth and Aldershot.
Poppies will also be displayed on the front of a number of buses across the country with some of the destination blinds showing the messaging “We will remember them”.
Employees across Stagecoach will also be asked to honour the minutes’ silence.
Stagecoach has also been a member of the Armed Force Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families to both the country and businesses across the country.
With Remembrance services planned at memorials across UK, it is hoped that people wishing to pay their respects will take up the offer to travel for free to the service of their choice.
This commitment from Stagecoach allows for the business to unite and offer the same great experience to all military and ex-military customers and it will continue each year on 11th November and the following Sunday* as well as Armed Forces Weekend.
Simon Tramalloni, Operations Manager in Preston & Chorley is co-lead for the Stagecoach Veterans Network. He previously served in the Armed Forces serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa and the Middle East.
He said: “Stagecoach has a strong commitment to supporting the armed forces and our veterans, and it’s great that we are able to offer free bus and tram travel across the whole country as we mark Remembrance Day.
“We have thousands of ex forces personnel working across our business and having the new Veterans Network is allowing us to build on the work that Stagecoach has led over many years and identify how else we can support those veterans already working for us and those that may want to come and join the company.
“Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal are causes close to the hearts of many of our employees and customers and we are very pleased to be making this commitment that will hopefully help people to attend memorials across the UK.”
Residents at two Edinburgh care homes joined hundreds of people across the UK in a virtual singalong to celebrate the life of the late Dame Vera Lynn.
Men and women from Mansfield Care’s Haugh House and Craighall House care homes sang the iconic ‘We’ll Meet Again’, with over 900 care home residents taking part throughout the country.
The event took place on Remembrance Sunday while also marking the release of the singer’s farewell album ‘Keep Smiling Through’ in partnership with Decca records.
The singalong was organised by Shapeshifter Productions which collaborates with care homes around the UK through their participatory singing project, The Smiling Sessions.
The charity provides weekly singing sessions for residents in care homes, which can be accessed through a newly developed website and app due to the pandemic. Songs can be streamed or downloaded.
Artistic Director of Shapeshifter Productions, Alison Jones, (above) said: “The Smiling Sessions was a project conceived over 10 years ago which enables residents at care homes throughout the country to sing with one another through weekly sessions.
“Unfortunately, with the pandemic we were forced to hold our weekly singing sessions virtually, but with this change we came up with new ideas such as a virtual jukebox – allowing residents to pick the songs they want to sing together remotely.
“It became a huge hit with homes all over the country, and so we decided we wanted to have a mass singalong to commemorate those on Remembrance Sunday. It took a lot of effort to set up, but we were overwhelmed by the popularity of the singalong with over 10,000 residents all coming together to sing.
“Dame Vera Lynn is so iconic, and is a symbol of resilience and strength for so many during an unprecedented time, and you can see how much the song meant to all the residents, it provided a real sense of occasion for them.”
Haugh House and Craighall House were approached by Shapeshifter Productions over the phone after learning the mother of Pete Baikie, co-founder of The Smiling Sessions, was staying at Haugh House.
Care Home Manager, Jo Dickman, said: “One of residents, Rae Baikie (above), has a son who is involved in musical therapy for care homes down in England, and so he regularly comes up to do singing sessions with our residents.
“Through him we found out about the big singalong and we had many of our residents eager to join. They absolutely loved it, and you could see just how much it meant to those who took part in it.
“It made the residents feel very reminiscent of their childhoods, and we even have two residents who served in the forces so it was particularly poignant for them.
“Singing plays a huge role in the care of our residents, and seeing each of them after the performance, and when we showed them the video back, it obvious to see how much of an impact singing can have on their well-being.
“We are always trying to find new and unique ways to provide activities for our residents in a time were visits and sessions can be difficult. We will definitely be collaborating with the Smiling Sessions project in the future.”
Mansfield Care specialise in small, friendly residential care homes in Edinburgh, Borders and west of Scotland; each designed to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.
The Mansfield Care ethos is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.
Although there will be no March Past the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday, a National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph will still take place.
The closed ceremony will be broacast live on BBC One and you can tune in from 10.15am as representatives of the Royal Family, the Government and the Armed Forces lay wreaths at the Cenotaph.
In 2020 we pay tribute to the men and women of the Second World War generation, and to those of today’s, who have served and sacrificed to defend our nation.
We remember the collaboration of the Commonwealth and Allied nations who stood shoulder to shoulder then to secure our freedom and the communities coming together today to protect us all.
With many unable to take part in Remembrance services and events this year, you can still play your part from home and take part in a moment of Remembrance by observing the Two Minute Silence at 11am from your doorstep.
Remembrance Sunday service held online to honour the fallen
The British High Commission Singapore, in partnership with the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans’ League (SAFVL), held a virtual service to mark Remembrance Sunday today (8 November 2020).
The ceremony, broadcast at 10.40am (Singapore time) on the High Commission’s UK in Singapore Facebook page, paid tribute to all who had laid down their lives so that the generations after them could live in peace.
In the UK, Remembrance Sunday is held on the Sunday nearest to Remembrance Day on 11 November; the date marks the official end of the First World War in 1918.
As part of the pre-recorded service, senior representatives from the British High Commission Singapore, the Singapore Armed Forces and its Veterans’ League, and UK defence forces laid poppy wreaths at the Singapore Memorial in the Kranji War Cemetery.
The wreath laying was accompanied by a lamentation delivered remotely by bagpipers from the Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force.
At 11am, online viewers observed a two-minute silence, in memory of the fallen.
Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Defence Advisers from various nations later joined remotely in pledging ‘We Will Remember Them’, in response to a reading of an excerpt from Robert Laurence Binyon’s ‘For the Fallen’.
A joint choir made up of students from Dover Court International, Dulwich College Singapore, Marlborough College Malaysia and Tanglin Trust School performed the hymns ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.
In the segment ‘Reflections from Singapore Youth’, members of the Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band – Swiss Cottage Secondary School shared their personal thoughts on peace and conflict. A bugler from the Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band also sounded the Last Post and the Reveille.
British High Commissioner to Singapore, Her Excellency Kara Owen, said in her speech: “Normally, we mark Remembrance Sunday together, at a morning service at Kranji War Cemetery. We can’t do so in-person this year. We have to meet virtually instead. But our method of meeting does not dilute our purpose, nor our sincerity.
“Today, we are paying our respects to the fallen and in doing so, we are living out our promise to remember the sacrifices of those – from all nations – who fought and died. A promise to remember their service and re-affirm the values that they fought to preserve.
“And to acknowledge both the courage of those who served their country and our responsibility to work for the peace they fought so hard to achieve.”
