How Remembrance Day & Remembrance Sunday will be marked in BwD this year

Published Friday 30 October 2020 at 17:32

Lockdown measures and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic mean that this year’s Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday services in the borough, and elsewhere in Lancashire, will be different.

But while we may not be able to physically attend memorial services, we can still pay our respects to those who bravely gave their lives.

Remembrance Day – also known as Armistice Day – is held annually in the UK to remember those who have died in service.

It is held on November 11, the date in 1918 when the First World War ended.

Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in November, which this year falls on November 8.

Alternative celebrations are being organised for this year’s Remembrance Sunday as we all stay safely socially-distanced under the borough’s Tier 3 restrictions.

At 11am on Remembrance Sunday, people around the country are encouraged to stand on their doorsteps to observe a two minute silence.

Blackburn Cathedral and St Peter’s Church in Darwen are planning virtual remembrance services. Find out more on Facebook.

A special Remembrance light projection show will light up Blackburn Town Hall between 4 and 11 November. It will feature images of Blackburn soldiers, wartime newspaper archives, local war poetry, and a colourful poppies animation.

Cllr Iftakhar Hussain, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, said:

As a result of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, it is not surprising that we will be unable to hold our usual Remembrance Day commemorations this year.

We are extremely disappointed to be unable to provide the opportunity for the citizens of Blackburn and Darwen to join us and show their respects for the brave men and women who have lost their lives in conflict, while serving their country.

However, as with many other plans this year, we have had to adapt and to encourage other ways for people to get involved instead. For example, that could involve taking part in online commemorations, or simply reflecting on Remembrance Day with smaller activities at home.

We are also encouraging people to get involved in our #BlackburnRemembers and #DarwenRemembers campaign, by sending us a picture of themselves proudly wearing their poppy, or making a poppy to wear, baking a poppy cake or creating a poppy display in your garden.

The act of remembrance is vital to keeping alive the memories of those who have died in wars over the years. Although this year’s plans have to be different, they are by no means less meaningful or poignant.

We will, safely, remember all those who sacrificed so much. Please pay your respects at home.

The Council has been working with both Blackburn and Darwen Royal British Legion branches, Blackburn Cathedral, St Peter’s Church in Darwen and the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment to produce a video that will be shared in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday.

The Very Rev Peter Howell-Jones, the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, commented:

Remembrance-tide is an important period in our town and cathedral calendar. This year, the impact of Covid-19 will restrict our ability to gather together to honour the memory of those people who have lost their lives in service to our nation and wider humanity, especially during war. As Jesus said, ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.’

Why not light a candle and place it in your window on November 11th or display a poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who lost their lives in war and for those who still grieve today?

Whilst we might not be able to come together as a community, we can still mark remembrance together in our homes and places of work.  May the peace of God be a blessing to all this Remembrance-tide.

Veteran Simon Charnley is Chairman of the Darwen branch of the Royal British Legion. He said:

It’s a very special time of year for the Royal British Legion. Sadly this year, due to restrictions around poppy stalls in supermarkets and collection boxes in pubs, we’ve lost a lot of fundraising revenue. It’s usually a very busy time for us too – we would normally be out selling poppies, visiting schools, attending remembrance events and so on. It all feels very flat this year.

I hope the people of Blackburn with Darwen will show their support for servicemen and women past and present. The Darwen branch is supporting the campaign for a doorstep two minute silence, and we’d love to see windows across the borough decorated with children’s poppy drawings.

Warrant Officer 1 Lee Southworth, of The 4th Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment at SOMME Barracks, said:

Over the last year we looked back and took stock of the sacrifices made by many nations and cultures but especially those who gave their lives during World War 2. We have remembered numerous 75th anniversaries of conflicts from across the world including the victories and atrocities experienced by all. This year will be marked and remembered not only for the 75th anniversaries and all other conflicts, but also for the current sacrifices and losses each person has endured during the Coronavirus pandemic. So many families in Blackburn with Darwen have lost loved ones. It’s important to take a moment and remember all bereavements together, whilst at the same time staying apart to help the community fight the ongoing crisis and prevent the unnecessary loss of lives.

Whilst you remember in silence, separated from those you love, please take a moment to reflect and value the sacrifices made by so many, both past and present. We will remember them.

As you remember, be safe and remain disciplined. Don’t let your actions today end the lives of others tomorrow.

Cllr John Slater, an ex-serviceman himself, is the Council’s Armed Forces Champion. He said:

It is at this time of year that we remember all those who have served in our Armed Forces – brave men and women who over the centuries have paid the ultimate sacrifice so we may be free. It is for all of us to never forget.

As a veteran myself, I know that it is today’s men and women who have served this country and who are now fighting their own battles, from physical and mental disabilities to issues such as homelessness. Please support these people and wear your poppy with pride.

Cllr Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

Remembrance Day is a hugely significant part of our civic calendar. It’s very sad that it can’t happen in the usual way this year.

We know that Covid-19 has impacted a number of events and celebrations this year. We will continue to work with the local Armed Forces community and the Royal British Legion to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reflect and remember Armistice Day.

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

We will pause to remember as we always do, but it is our turn to protect our Armed Forces and all our residents at this stage in the pandemic.

Everyone will have the opportunity to pay their respects and it is right and fitting that this year we do that in a different way.

Covid-19 has also meant that the Royal British Legion’s 2020 Poppy Appeal has had to go online. You can support by buying a poppy locally from the Mall Blackburn and both Blackburn and Darwen Markets.

Full details of information and resources can be found on the Royal British Legion website.

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