Remembrance Sunday in Arun: people urged to mark occasion at home

Normally in Arun veterans, dignitaries and residents of all ages turn out in great numbers to remember and pay their respects to those who have and fought and continue to fight for our country – but not this year.

The pandemic has also affected this year’s Poppy Appeal, but people can still support the Royal British Legion – click here for more details.

Arun District Council leader James Walsh said: “The pandemic that we are all living through means that we are encouraging all members of the public to pay their respects from the safety of our own homes.

“The restrictions in place across Arun mean that we cannot gather in numbers.

“Marking Remembrance Sunday and Armistice day and ensuring younger generations are aware of the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices made is no less important.

“Keeping Arun safe is vital and, it is with sadness, but the utmost seriousness, that I ask you not to attend any wreath laying ceremonies that may be taking part in towns and parishes but to observe the silence in quiet reflection in our homes or on our doorsteps.”

In Arundel, a small service and wreath-laying for invited representatives is to be held on Sunday, with others encouraged to pay their respects by standing on their doorsteps for a two-minute silence at 11am.

Arundel mayor Tony Hunt said: “Though Remembrance Day will take a different form this year, we will all have the opportunity to honour those whose sacrifices have secured our freedom and protected our way of life. “It may also cause us to reflect on how resolutely previous generations faced their darkest hours, which may comfort and encourage us in 2020”.