"Lest we Forget"
On Sunday 13th November, the Watford community are invited to pay respects and remember those who served in our Armed Forces over two World Wards and since, who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
1.45: All are welcome at St Mary’s, the town Parish Church (the oldest building in the Borough of Watford) – where the Parade will start. This glorious church is home to some significant tributes to those lost in military service.
2.00: Approx. There will be a presentation to the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ who was appointed Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire by The Queen in 2017 and is now His Majesty’s representative in the County.
2.05: Approx there will be a moment of silence . A prayer will then be given for Ukraine on behalf of Sunflower Social Club which St Mary’s is home to each week. This group was created by Luther Blissett OBE and his partner to give support to all those arriving from Ukraine to Watford and districts, many of whom are families whose men volunteered or were conscripted earlier this year. A prayer will then be said to mark respects for our Armed Forces.
2.30: Parade will prepare to march through the Town Centre to the Peace Memorial at the Town Hall, led by the Hertfordshire standard bearer of the Royal British Legion, with those serving, veterans, cadets and civic dignitaries also part of the official parade. All are welcome to join behind the main parade to participate
3.00 : Assemble at the Peace Memorial adjacent to Watford Town Hall for the service of Remembrance, with a reading by the Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and wreath laying by Parade members.
The Peace Memorial is cast in bronze and features three figures representing left: “To The Fallen”, a seated man grieving; centre, “Victory”, a man standing with right arm raised; and right, “To The Wounded”, a seated man.
All are welcome to stay for refreshments in the Library after the service
- Picture credits : Simon Jacobs, Bob Speel