Colchester’s Remembrance Service set to honour the Fallen

PUBLISHED: 30 October 2024

Date issued: 30 October 2024

Colchester’s War Memorial on the High Street will once again be the focal point for the city’s traditional Remembrance Service and wreath-laying ceremony, which will begin at 10.45am on Sunday, 10 November.

Soldiers from the city’s 16 Air Assault Brigade will be on parade, alongside civic dignitaries including the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Simon Hall and the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Lesley Scott-Boutell.

To mark the solemn occasion, a 105mm Light Gun from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) will fire at both the beginning and conclusion of the two-minute silence at 11am.

In a statement, Mayor Scott-Boutell said: “At a time when conflict once again threatens peace in Europe and the Middle East, it is more important than ever that we gather to honour those who have given their lives in service. Remembrance Sunday is a time to reflect not only on their bravery, but also on the importance of working towards a peaceful future and understanding between nations.

“I encourage everyone to stand together in this act of reflection and respect for all those who have given their lives in the name of peace, and for those whose lives bear the enduring scars of conflict.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, added: “I would invite everyone to join us on Remembrance Sunday to remember the sacrifice of all who have given their lives for others, the families of the Fallen, and all those who have been injured and bear the physical and mental scars of war. It is vital that the military and civilian communities come together to honour our shared sacrifice - the soldiers, sailors, and aviators we remember were also sons, daughters, husbands, wives, partners, brothers, and sisters.
 
“The strength of the relationship between Colchester and its soldiers is truly demonstrated at Remembrance, and it is something that we in the military draw strength from as we serve to secure the nation’s safety at home and abroad.”

After the Remembrance Service, the Mayor will take the salute at the Town Hall as a parade proceeds along the High Street. The parade, led by 7 Para RHA’s guns, will include soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, veterans and youth organisations.

Large poppies displayed on the Town Hall balcony serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict, with the Pegasus flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade also flying.
To accommodate the event, the High Street will be closed to traffic from 8am until 1pm, with diversions in place for motorists.

On Monday, 11 November, Armistice Day, Mayor Scott-Boutell will also lead a two-minute silence at 11am on the steps of Colchester Town Hall, accompanied by members of Colchester Garrison, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, and other civic representatives. The public is invited to join the event.

Page last reviewed: 30 October 2024

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