Soldiers, veterans, politicians and residents have remembered those who lost their lives in battle.
Socially distanced commemorations marked Armistice Day across the UK today, as the nation honoured its war dead in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Much of the British public was forced to observe the traditional two minutes’ silence from home at 11am on Wednesday, due to widespread restrictions on gatherings and travel.
In Watford, a virtual service was held for residents and streamed on the borough council’s Facebook page.
Wreaths were laid on the Watford Peace Memorial by the Lord-Lieutenant for Hertfordshire Robert Voss, the town’s MP Dean Russell, Mayor Peter Taylor, council chairwoman Aga Dychton and members of the Royal British Legion.
Photo credit: Simon Jacobs
A two minute’s silence had been held as well as a reading by the Mayor and Cllr Dychton.
Before the service, Mr Taylor said: “The impact that the two World Wars had on our town was enormous. Huge numbers of Watfordians joined the call to arms. The town also pulled together around the war effort. Given Watford’s proximity to training camps and transport links, Watford families regularly hosted service men in the town.
“That’s why I’m really proud that we’re able to remember our town’s role in the two World Wars and the people from Watford who made the ultimate sacrifice, such as those who lost their lives in the Sandringham Road bombing.
“We will also be commemorating those who fought in later conflicts such as Captain Tom Sawyer, Corporal Christopher Harrison and Private Tom Lake. I hope residents are able to join the virtual Remembrance Service and pay their respects.”
Photo credit: Simon Jacobs
In a tweet, Mr Russell said: “As we mark Armistice Day we remember the sacrifice made by millions of men and women who gave their lives to defend our freedom.
“It was an honour to lay a wreath and to remember the courage shown by our Armed Forces.”
As we mark Armistice Day we remember the sacrifice made by millions of men and women who gave their lives to defend our freedom.
— Dean Russell MP #Hands/Face/Space (@dean4watford) November 11, 2020
It was an honour to lay a wreath and to remember the courage shown by our Armed Forces #ArmisticeDay #WeWillRememberThem #RemembranceDay pic.twitter.com/lsgdwHNqGZ
Elsewhere, a small ceremony took place in Sarratt earlier today to remember those who had fallen, as well as in Oxhey.
#lestweforget🌹 Whilst Covid-19 restrictions prevented our normal Oxhey Remembrance Service and Community Walk, we still wanted to mark this important occasion, so held a small, socially distanced, service to share with you all online.#remembrancesunday #watford #oxheyvillage pic.twitter.com/oF1jrm7GG9
— OVEG (@OxheyVillage) November 11, 2020
Photo credit: John Griffith
Hertsmere Borough Council leader Morris Bright also visited a war memorial earlier today.
We Will Remember Them#ArmisticeDay #TwoMinuteSilence pic.twitter.com/N0MuNio5m2
— Morris Bright MBE (@Morris__Bright) November 11, 2020
Meanwhile, Rickmansworth councillor Paula Hiscocks and South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra visited St Mary's memorial on Remembrance Sunday.
#RemembranceDay #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/cia7dvVNJL
— Cllr Sarah Nelmes 🔶️ (@snelmzie) November 8, 2020
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