Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
We must unite to remember victims of war
Royal British Legion backs doorstep tributes
THE Royal British Legion has backed the Mirror’s campaign for a doorstep two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday.
As traditional commemorations are curtailed by Covid-19 restrictions, we want the UK to pause in reflection from outside their homes at 11am on November 8.
The Royal British Legion has now joined political leaders, the head of Britain’s Armed Forces, veterans and forces’ sweetheart Katherine Jenkins, in backing our campaign.
Charles Byrne, director general for The Royal British Legion, said: “This year we are unable to stand side by side as we usually do in honour of those who have served on our behalf.
“But we can all still play a part in ensuring the unique contributions of our Armed Forces are not forgotten.
“We are joining the Daily Mirror’s call for people to come together on Remembrance Sunday in a new way and to stand in silence at the front door or window of their home in a fitting tribute to those who have given so much.”
The Mirror began the campaign after a historic deci sion to close th e wreath laying at the Cenotaph in Whitehall to the public for the first time in 100 years.
There will also be restrictions on local parades and ceremonies.
Mr Byrne said: “Remembrance is part of the fabric of our society, it reminds us of our shared history and unites people across all backgrounds, cultures and generations.
“Never is this more evident than on Remembrance Sunday, when people across the nations gather in recognition of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces to bring us the society we live in today.” On Only a limited number of Armed Forces veterans, members of the Royal Family, and political leaders will be able to attend the Cenotaph ceremony, which normally has a parade involving 10,000 people with around the same number of spectators.
But our doorstep tribute will ensure the heroes of the two world wars and other conflicts can be remembered safely.
The campaign has united party leaders. Boris Johnson said: “The pandemic will not stop us honouring the sacrifice and valour of veterans, the bravest of the brave.” Labour leader SirKeir Starmer said: “We can still honour our heroes.”