Local MP, Maria Miller joined Deputy Lieutenant Lady Louisa Portal, Mayor's Chaplain Andy Taylor and Mayor of Basingstoke Diane Taylor to mark Remembrance Sunday at Basingstoke’s war memorial, in War Memorial Park.
Following a rise in the number of national cases and recent announcements made by the government, after careful consideration Basingstoke and Deane have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the traditional Remembrance parade and ceremony event format and to commemorate Remembrance 2020 virtually. Keeping residents safe, including many veterans who normally attend the service, is top priority.
Maria said; “Seeing on the BBC, the Queen visit the grave of the Unknown Warrior, it was a moment of reassurance in difficult times.
“You should never forget that in Basingstoke there are many with direct or indirect links with the armed forces and it means a lot that we remember the sacrifices of everybody, in both world wars and in conflicts since.”
“We will find that very many people will take the opportunity to commemorate in a safe and sensible way. What’s been fantastic to see is so many more people become involved in Remembrance Day services, particularly the number of young people who feel strongly that they want to be a part of it as well.”
The Mayor, the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Lady Portal MBE, Hampshire Constabulary and Maria lay a wreath at the war memorial on behalf of the borough in a video on social media and lead a two minute silence on Remembrance Sunday.
Individuals and organisations who usually take part in the two services, including representatives from the Armed Forces, police, fire service, cadets, scouts and other local associations, schools and organisations, will be encouraged to lay wreaths separately at the war memorial between Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, avoiding the time around 11am on each day, in order to maintain and respect social distancing.