Published Saturday 7 November 2020 at 20:50
Commemorative wreaths have been laid at Blackburn and Darwen’s Cenotaphs to mark Remembrance Sunday.
Following social distancing restrictions, Council Leader Cllr Mohammed Khan, Chief Executive Denise Park and Mayor Iftakar Hussain each laid wreaths in memory of those who sacrificed their lives.
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.
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.
Wreaths have been laid at both Corporation Park and Bold Venture Park in Darwen.
Virtual remembrance services are being streamed online by Blackburn Cathedral and St Peter’s Church, Darwen.
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.
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