Residents asked to ‘Remember at Home’ on Remembrance Sunday

The annual Remembrance Sunday parades and services will not take place this year, being replaced by a pre-recorded small, socially distanced wreath laying ceremony in partnership with the Romford Royal British Legion (RBL).

The Romford RBL will be present with a Standard Bearer and a Wreath Layer to represent the Armed Forces Community.

The video will be published on the Council’s Facebook and YouTube channels on the Remembrance Sunday morning.

Despite the changes this year, Havering Council is encouraging people across the borough to ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in a ‘Remember at Home’ activity, whether that be watching the pre-recorded ceremony, pausing for the Two Minute Silence in their homes or on their doorsteps, or by placing a poppy in windows or wreaths on doors.

Residents are also being encouraged to send the Council messages (that can be a video) that can be shared throughout the day on Remembrance Sunday and published on social media, our website and YouTube. Videos, messages and photos can be sent to events@havering.gov.uk.

Further information about how to watch the service will be available on our website and social media channels next week.

Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:

“The annual Remembrance Sunday parades are a significant event in Havering’s Calendar. This borough prides itself on taking every opportunity it can to pay tribute and honour servicemen and women, both past and present.

“Unfortunately, the Covid 19 pandemic has made it impossible for these events to go ahead safely. Our veterans have fought for and protected us, and now we must ensure we are doing the same for them through this dark period – we would be doing them a dis-service if we put their health at risk.

"Just because we cannot have a parade, it does not mean that we cannot mark the day and give it the attention it deserves. I urge everyone to reflect, remember and pay their respects from the safety of their own homes. Lest we forget.”

Griff Griffin, Branch Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Romford, added:

“Each year we are proud to play such a key role in marking Remembrance Sunday, and whilst this year’s commemorations may take place in a different way, the important thing is that we can all still pay our respects to those brave souls that came before us and those that continue to defend our way of life.

“We owe it to our veterans, many of whom are older residents, to not mark the day in a way that risks spreading this awful virus.”