REMEMBRANCE Day is set to look a little different this year and Warwickshire residents and event organisers are being urged to act according to health guidelines.
For the first time in history, the annual ceremony at the Cenotaph will be closed to members of the public, with people encouraged instead to take part in a national moment of silence at 11am as the service is broadcast nationwide.
With a few exceptions, it will not be possible for members of the public to spectate at many Remembrance Day and Armistice Day events in 2020.
In order to make sure both Remembrance Day on Wednesday November 11, and the prior Sunday event, are marked as safely as possible, Warwickshire County Council is urging communities to follow national guidance and advice.
With cases of covid 19 rising, it is essential any local events are adapted to reflect the principles being followed by the Remembrance Sunday event at the national Cenotaph.
People are reminded to observe social distancing, keep services short and focused on wreath laying, not include any singing, keep numbers to a minimum, record details of those attending for track and trace and stream the event online if possible.
Warwickshire County Council leader Izzi Seccombe said: “Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday are dedicated to remembering the sacrifices made by our armed forces over the last 150 years. This is something we do with pride each year.
“In 2020, we will still honour and remember the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces, but we must do so differently. We now must make sacrifices to control the virus.
“With cases of covid 19 rising around the county, we must all do the right thing for Warwickshire and accept that how we have done things in previous years to remember, may not be possible this year due to the pandemic. We can and will still remember and pay our respects, but we must do so sensibly, maintaining social distancing and minimising the impact that we have as individuals on the spread of the virus.”
People are still able to support the annual Poppy Appeal, and there are many ways to support this year’s appeal from home in line with virus restrictions.
Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance for more information.
