Watford Remembrance Sunday parade 2023 picture round-up

The parade began at 2.15pm at St Mary’s Church after local organisations gathered to march in memory of men and women from our armed services.

The mace bearer followed by HM Lord Lieutenant Robert Voss CBE then the Royal British Legion Watford standard on the right, on its first historic Town parade. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

It began with the bagpipes being played and was led by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE,  the King’s personal representative for Hertfordshire, who had also led the Armistice Day and Remembrance event at Watford Football club the previous day, followed by the newly formed Watford branch of the Royal British Legion.

The parade marching through the town centre. (Image: Megan Lewis)

Other organisations, such as the Army Cadets, Scouts and St John Ambulance were involved in the parade and each had a representative lay a wreath.

The first wreath was laid by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss,  who is also newly appointed patron of Forces United who had put together a programme of Remembrance events for local Veterans.

HM Lord Lieutenant Robert Voss CBE laying the first wreath. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Speaking before the event, councillor Ian Stotesbury, said: “It looks to be a good parade, we have a large number of people coming and it will be a good service at the end as well.”

The march was followed by a short service in which the Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor read the poem In Flanders Field.

The parade ended at the Peace Memorial. (Image: Megan Lewis)

He also read the Kohima Epitaph and Reverend Tony Rindl read the International Prayer for Peace, which members of the public were invited to read along to.

The National Anthem was sung by The Phoenix Choir and the music was performed by the Watford Band.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "I am so grateful to everyone involved in the Acts of Remembrance this weekend in Watford. This was the first time that the new Forces United group and Watford Branch of the Royal British Legion organised events. It is really important that we thank our veterans and honour all those who have served in our Armed Forces.    

"Across the town we saw people of all ages coming together to remember the service and sacrifice of others in a dignified way. Thank you to everyone who helped to organise these ceremonies and to everyone who took part."

The wreaths were laid by various organisations and dignitaries. (Image: Megan Lewis)

Dean Russell, MP for Watford attended and laid a wreath along with others outside the Peace Memorial.

The local Phoenix Choir sang the National Anthem with music during the service  performed by the Watford Band.

Councillor Amanda Grimston, who served in the British Army for three years when she was 17, said: “It has a large turnout and I am glad to see people turning up to pay their respects.”

• Seven Watford public notices which could impact residents

• What do the different coloured poppies mean for Remembrance Day 2023?

The Watford branch of the Royal British Legion has been reformed following an initiative led by Luther Blissett, an ex-Watford FC star.

The weekend of events was something for the “Town to be incredibly proud of", according to Luther Blissett OBE.

Branch members were in the parade with the flags on display after the new standard was seen for the first time yesterday (November 11) as an act of remembrance took place in Vicarage Road Cemetery.

The Radlett Reform Synagogue has also been involved with a remembrance service, following the parade from Christchurch to the Radlett war memorial.

Rabbi Paul Freedman led an “inter-community event” which he believes is “so very important right now”.