Date issued: 8 November 2020
Amid coronavirus restrictions, the socially distanced event was held at the town's Merville Barracks instead of the traditional service and parade at the War Memorial.
Led by the Mayor of Colchester Cllr Robert Davidson, attendees included the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, Her Majesty The Queen's representative in the county; Chair of Essex County Council Cllr John Jowers; Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus, Commander of Colchester Garrison, and Fred Woolhouse, President of the Colchester Branch of The Royal British Legion.
After observing the national two-minute silence, marked out by gunfire from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, wreathes were laid at a drumhead altar set up on the barracks' parade square. A bugler from British Army Band Colchester played the Last Post and Reveille, with prayers led by the Bishop of Colchester, the Right Reverend Roger Morris, and Reverend Ollie North, padre to 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, said: “Remembrance Day is a hugely significant part of our civic calendar and one I hope people will have found time to observe in their own special way today – apart but together – in quiet tribute to all those who volunteered, served, fought, or made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and secure our freedom.
“Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, our gratitude remains undiminished. May their courage and fortitude inspire us to find the strength and determination to rise to the challenges in our own time.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus AAC, Commander of Colchester Garrison, added: “The service was a small, but appropriate and poignant occasion to pay tribute to the Fallen. While coronavirus has meant that we were not able to join with the public to mark Remembrance as we have done in years past, the shared silence that we have observed meant we paid our respects together, even if we were apart.”
Page last reviewed: 5 November 2020