Residents of Hailsham are being asked to stay home on Remembrance Sunday this year and find other ways to honour those who served and sacrificed themselves in the line of duty.
In line with national government guidance on social distancing and protection from COVID-19, the majority of remembrance service events across the country have either been scaled back or cancelled.
On Sunday 8 November, a closed service of remembrance will be held at the Hailsham War Memorial at 11am led by the Royal British Legion, Hailsham Branch.
Because of the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, it is unfortunate that there will not be a parade or full service as there usually is. There will be a short wreath-laying ceremony and two minutes silence at 11.00am as usual.
A small number of invited guests will attend, and to ensure the safety of all those who are participating and to comply with social distancing measures, the War Memorial will be closed to the public that morning, until after the service.
The Royal British Legion has shared a number of alternative ways for residents to commemorate Remembrance Day from home, including using video conferencing facilities such as Zoom, social media platforms such as Facebook or another online meeting resource to host a virtual Remembrance service or produce an online exhibition of Remembrance related photos from local residents.
Full details of information and resources can be found on the Royal British Legion website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance.
“The safety of veterans and residents is the number one priority – and that is why we are asking people to offer their remembrance at home during this crucial stage in the pandemic, in line with current COVID-19 rules around public gatherings.”
Royal British Legion Hailsham & District Branch Chairman, Elizabeth Snowden commented: “I am pleased that the Town Council is encouraging people to commemorate the Remembrance Sunday at home. The health and wellbeing of residents, including our beloved veterans, is crucial. Everyone will have the opportunity to pay their respects to those who have sacrificed their lives in past conflicts for our freedom, from the safety of their homes, as we all reflect and remember on Sunday 8 November.”
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk