Watford Remembrance Sunday 2023

On Sunday 12 November, the Royal British Legion and other organisations will lay wreaths at Watford’s Peace Memorial outside the Town Hall (3pm)

The proceedings will start with a parade led by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, from St Mary’s Church in the town centre up to the Peace Memorial.

Residents are allowed to join the parade, but please arrive at the church for 2.15pm or you can join the service at 3pm by the Peace Memorial.

There will be two minute’s silence and a reading by the Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and Chairman of the Council, Councillor Simon Feldman.

The service will also be attended by the Vice Chairman and the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, with Watford residents invited to join in the ceremony and pay their respects.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “The bravery, heroism and sacrifices made by residents of Watford in the conflicts of the last century up to the present day are moving and awe-inspiring. They remind us of the wonderful, selfless people that have walked among us, never looking for praise or accolades, just committed to doing their duty and protecting others.”

Chairman of the Council, Simon Feldman said: “For Remembrance we unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of our local Armed Forces community and beyond. There is huge pride in our town for those who are serving in our armed forces and enormous respect for our veterans. It is my honour to be a part of this remembrance event and I welcome residents to join us for the ceremony.”

In another mark of respect to those who have fought in conflicts, silhouette figures of First World War soldiers or ‘Tommy’s’, can be seen across Watford as part of an art installation run by the charity Remembered. It aims to educate all generations about why so many made the ultimate sacrifice, and to raise funds to help heal those suffering from the hidden wounds of war.

The National Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London.

Starting at 11am, the service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two world wars and later conflicts.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) co­ordinates the event, alongside colleagues from across government, the armed forces and veterans’ organisations.