People across Staffordshire are invited to come together to remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country as Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are marked this month.
Staffordshire has a long and proud connection with the Armed Forces, with major military bases in Stafford and at Whittington near Lichfield, home to Defence Medical Services and the Regimental Headquarters of the Mercian Regiment. The county is also home to a significant Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, reservists, cadets and families, as well as more than 30,000 veterans.
on Sunday 8 November and Wednesday 11 November, representatives from the county council will join communities and organisations at commemorative events and services across the county
The Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, in Alrewas will host a programme of commemorations from 8 to 11 November, including its annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Armed Forces Memorial and the Armistice Day Service. Visitors can also pay their respects at the Field of Remembrance, where thousands of personal tributes honour members of the Armed Forces community who lost their lives in service.
Paul Williams, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council will attend the Chase Arts for Public Spaces event by the National Miners’ Memorial at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens on Remembrance Sunday. On Armistice Day, he will also attend commemorations from 9am.
Cllr Williams said: “Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day give us an important opportunity to come together as communities and remember the courage, service and sacrifice of all those who have served our country.
“I would encourage people across Staffordshire to join a local commemoration and take a moment to pay their respects. It is important that we continue to remember and ensure the sacrifices made by previous generations are never forgotten.”
Hayley Coles, Acting Leader at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Remembrance is an important part of our shared history and gives people of all ages the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces community.
“There will be commemorations taking place right across the county, and I would encourage people to join their local community in paying tribute and showing their support.”
The Vice-Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, and former serving soldier Gorden Munro will also represent the county council at Stafford Borough Council’s open-air Remembrance Sunday and also an Act of Remembrance in Market Square in Stafford at 10.50am on Armistice Day. Sean Bagguley, Acting Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council is attending the service in Barlaston on Sunday, and will be laying a wreath at Swinnerton and Oulton.
Lord-Lieutenant Liz Barnes will also be attending the Stafford Borough Council’s open-air Remembrance Sunday event on 8 November. She will also attend commemorations at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens on Armistice Day.
Staffordshire County Council remains committed to supporting its armed forces communities, leading the Staffordshire Armed Forces Covenant partnership and holding a Gold Defence Employer Recognition Award for its ongoing work to support the employment of the Armed Forces.
The authority is also encouraging businesses and organisations to join them by signing the Covenant and pledging their support to the Armed Forces community. More information on the Covenant can be found on its webpage.
