We WILL remember
As Remembrance Sunday events face virus ban... the Mirror asks us all to stand on our doorsteps at 11am
“AT the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them”, but this year we are being asked to do it from our homes.
For the first time in the Cenotaph’s 100-year history the traditional Remembrance Sunday Service at 11am will be closed to the public.
The Royal British Legion said the news was “disappointing” but said the public can have their own“personal moment of Remembrance” in their home or on their doorstep.
So the thousands of people who normally line the streets of Whitehall in London to pay respects are being asked to do it from home.
The emotional annual march past the memorial will not take place either to “protect the veteran community”.
The Queen however, is still expected to lay a wreath, for the nation. And Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, 81, said: “We normally have a lot of Chelsea Pensioners attend the Cenotaph, but we’re all gutted we can’t be there.
“We’ve got to remember our veterans but it’s also important we pro protect people now.
“It’s a different type of war we’re in and we’ve got to look after each other!”
Second World War hero, Don Sheppard, who turned 100 this year, said: “It would be wonderful for the public to remember them at home too. Most people have either grandads or great grandads who were involved and that’s when they should reflect – in that two-minute silence.”
Normally 10,000 veterans would march past the Cenotaph but this year only a small number will be invited to do so, but a national moment of silence will be held at 11am as the service is broadcast nationwide on BBC One.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance as it marks 100 years since the Cenotaph was installed.
“Whilst we will mark this occasion properly, it is with a heavy heart that I must ask people not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph this year in order to keep veterans and the public safe.”
Gary Lashko, CEO at Royal Hospital Chelsea said: “While commemorations cannot happen on the same scale, we hope everyone will honour our nation’s veterans in their own way.”
A senior palace source said: “The Remembrance Day Service is not only one of the most inkedin days of Her Majesty’s calendar, it is one of the most important days of the year to her.
“She is utterly determined to be there with other members of the royal family who are scheduled to attend, of which there will be strong contingent, but the Queen will of course monitor the latest guidance in the ever changing situation regarding Covid-19.”
We’re gutted, but it’s a different type of war we’re in and we have to look after each other
ROY PALMER CHELSEA PENSIONER