Date issued: 3 November 2023
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, 12 November.
Soldiers from the town’s 16 Air Assault Brigade will be on parade, alongside civic dignitaries including the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr John Jowers, and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst.
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.
This year, the Remembrance Sunday Order of Service will be available as a download using this link: https://www.colchester.gov.uk/orderofservice
The Mayor of Colchester, John Jowers, said: “This Remembrance Sunday, as we pay our respects to those who have fallen in conflict, we do so in the shadow of war in Europe and conflict in the Middle East. It is a reminder that peace is fragile and must be cherished.
“We remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve, and we pledge to uphold the values for which they fought. We also remember the innocent victims of war, and we pray for peace.
“I encourage everyone to join me on the steps of the Town Hall on Armistice Day and at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday to honour those who have given their lives for our freedom.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “In a city with as strong a military presence and character as Colchester, it is vitally important that we join together with the civilian community to mark Remembrance. The military is drawn from society and those we remember were sons, daughters, wives, partners, husbands, brothers and sisters as much as they were soldiers, sailors and airmen.
“In the shared moment of silence, we remember with gratitude the sacrifice of all who have given their lives for others, not only in the First and Second World Wars but in the many military operations and conflicts that have taken place since. We remember too, 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 soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, Colchester’s Army Reserve units, veterans and youth organisations.
Two large poppies currently feature prominently on the Town Hall balcony, to honour the victims of conflict.
On Saturday, 11 November, to mark Armistice Day, Mayor Jowers will lead a two-minute silence at 11am, on the steps of Colchester Town Hall, alongside soldiers from the Garrison, Deputy Lieutenant, Jonathan Minter, civic dignitaries and council staff – to which members of public are also invited to attend.
Please note:
- Road closures will be in place along Head Street, High Street and St Nicholas Square from 8am on Remembrance Sunday and will be lifted by 1pm.
- Admission to the Town Hall on Sunday, 12 November, both before and after the Remembrance service and parade, is strictly by invitation only.
Page last reviewed: 3 November 2023