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, 8 November.
Soldiers from the city’s 16 Air Assault Brigade will be on parade, alongside civic dignitaries including His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, and representatives of Colchester Garrison and Colchester City Council.
The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas will set the occasion to music, at their first public appearance in Colchester since moving to the city’s Merville Barracks in the summer.
Tributes from city and Garrison leaders
Mayor Andrew Ellis said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important opportunity for our city to come together to honour all those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present. Their courage and commitment must never be forgotten.
Mayor Andrew Ellis said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important opportunity for our city to come together to honour all those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present. Their courage and commitment must never be forgotten.
“Each generation has a part to play in keeping remembrance meaningful. Even as the events we commemorate pass beyond living memory, our responsibility to remember endures.
“Above all, we remind ourselves that peace is precious, that freedom comes at a cost, and that remembrance must never become simply a matter of ceremony.
“It must remain a promise. A promise that their courage, their service, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Colchester has a proud and enduring connection with our Armed Forces, and I hope residents will join us at the War Memorial as we come together in remembrance, reflection, and unity.”
Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin said: “How Colchester comes together at Remembrance demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the city and its garrison. It is vital that the military and civilian communities join for a shared moment of silence, to acknowledge the soldiers, sailors and aviators we remember were also sons, daughters, wives, partners, husbands, brothers and sisters.
“I would invite everyone to join us in standing shoulder-to-shoulder 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 still today bear the scars of war.”
Parade through the city centre
After the Remembrance Service, the Mayor will take the salute at the Town Hall as a parade proceeds along the High Street. The parade will include soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, veterans and youth organisations.
After the Remembrance Service, the Mayor will take the salute at the Town Hall as a parade proceeds along the High Street. The parade will include soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, veterans and youth organisations.
Large poppies displayed on the Town Hall balcony will serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict, with the Pegasus flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade also flying.
Road closures and travel advice
Colchester City Council is working closely with the Garrison, the Royal British Legion, and Essex Police to ensure that the day can be safely attended by all. To accommodate the event, the High Street will be closed to traffic from 8am until 1pm, with signed diversions in place. Motorists are advised to allow extra time and plan an alternative route before travelling.
Colchester City Council is working closely with the Garrison, the Royal British Legion, and Essex Police to ensure that the day can be safely attended by all. To accommodate the event, the High Street will be closed to traffic from 8am until 1pm, with signed diversions in place. Motorists are advised to allow extra time and plan an alternative route before travelling.
Armistice Day
On Wednesday, 11 November, Armistice Day, Mayor Ellis will also lead a two-minute silence at 11am on the steps of Colchester Town Hall, accompanied by civic representatives. The public is invited to join the event.
On Wednesday, 11 November, Armistice Day, Mayor Ellis will also lead a two-minute silence at 11am on the steps of Colchester Town Hall, accompanied by civic representatives. The public is invited to join the event.