Events to mark this year’s Remembrance Day and Armistice Day in Bedford have been announced, uniting the community to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces from Britain and the Commonwealth.
Remembrance Sunday will be marked on Sunday, 9 November, with a parade, service of remembrance and the laying of wreaths at the war memorial on Bedford Embankment at 11am.
The day also pays tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services.
It acknowledges the innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism and council officials suggest that people arrive at the War Memorial by 10.40am, ready for the Parade arriving from Russell Park.
Once the parade is formed up at the memorial, the Service begins, during which Civic Leaders, the Armed Forces, Veterans’ Associations, Civil and community organisations are invited to lay wreaths in memory of those who gave their lives in conflict around the world.
Following the service, the Parade will proceed along The Embankment, concluding in Harpur Square.
A full order of service for Remembrance Sunday will be available to view from Monday, 3 November here. On the day, a scannable QR code will be available to view the order of service. A small number of paper versions will be available on the day, distributed by the Cadets.
There will be a limited number of spaces by the War Memorial for members of the public in wheelchairs, along with one carer, these will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lest we forget
Armistice Day commemorates the day and time when the guns fell silent, bringing to an end the hostilities of the First World War, at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Bedford Borough Council and the Bedford and District Branch of the Royal British Legion invite the community to gather in Harpur Square for a short ceremony commemorating this moment in history.
Arrive at 10.40am to observe a poignant two-minute silence at 11am, followed by an inspection of the Parade by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant.
Poppies will be available in supermarkets in Bedford and Kempston from Friday, 24 October. The Poppy Appeal launch takes place on Saturday, 25 October in the Harpur Centre, Bedford, with a short Service of Remembrance at 10am.
A Poppy Appeal stall will be based in the centre of the Harpur Centre until Saturday, 9 November.
Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, said: “Remembrance is a time when we come together as a community to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country, and to reflect on the impact of conflict on families, communities, and nations.
“I encourage everyone in Bedford Borough to join us at these commemorations to pay tribute, show gratitude, and ensure that the legacy of service and sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Peter Davies, Chairman of Bedford & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “We warmly welcome the Bedford Borough community to participate in these important occasions.
“These events provide a chance to honour the dedication and sacrifices made by our brave service personnel, emergency services, and civilians affected by conflict.
“This year we have commemorated the 80th Anniversaries of VE and VJ Days, which marked the ending of the Second World War in Europe and the Far East.
“By wearing a poppy with pride, you’ll not only show your respect but also contribute to the vital work of the Poppy Appeal.”
