Colchester’s traditional Remembrance Service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the War Memorial on Colchester High Street, beginning at 10.45am on Sunday, 13 November.
Soldiers from the town’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team will be on parade, alongside civic dignitaries including the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young, and Deputy Lieutenant, Simon Hall MBE.
A 105mm Light Gun from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery will fire, to mark the beginning and end of the two-minute silence at 11am.
The Mayor of Colchester, Tim Young, said: “At a time when war in Europe once again threatens international peace and stability, I would encourage everyone to join me at the War Memorial for an Act of Remembrance to honour all those whose lives have been cut short by conflict.
“The Service of Remembrance provides a moment for us to reflect on the sacrifice of former and current service men and women – to whom we all owe an enormous and enduring debt of gratitude – and on the need for peace and fraternity to prevail among all nations.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “How Colchester comes together at Remembrance demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the town and its garrison. It is vital that the military and civilian communities join for this shared moment of silence, to acknowledge that the soldiers, sailors and airmen 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.”
After the ceremony, the mayor will take the salute at the Town Hall as the British Army Band Colchester leads a parade along the High Street by 2nd and 3rd Battalions The Parachute Regiment, veterans and youth organisations. To have 2 and 3 PARA marching together has particular poignance, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1982 Falklands Conflict in which both battalions fought.
Four large poppies currently feature prominently on the Town Hall balcony, to honour the victims of conflict.
On Friday, 11 November, to mark Armistice Day, Mayor Young will lead a two-minute silence at 11am, on the steps of Colchester Town Hall, alongside soldiers from the Garrison, HM Lord Lieutenant Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, civic dignitaries and council staff – to which members of public are also invited to attend.
Page last reviewed: 7 November 2022