Remembrance Day is a day when we remember the end of the First World War, it is a day to remind ourselves of the members of the armed forces who died in their line of duty. This day of remembrance is also marked in many other countries to recall the end of the hostilities caused by World War I in 1918.

In the United Kingdom, the main observance is on the Sunday nearest to 11th November, this year that will be Sunday 12th November, a two-minute silence is held at 11am to remember our armed forces and the effects of World War I.

Ceremonies are held at local war memorials, these are usually arranged ex-service men, this day is naturally very close to their hearts. In this ceremony poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown, the armed forces, ex-service men, and local civic leaders. They are also usually children that are a part of cadet forces, the Scouts, Guide’s and representatives from St John’s Ambulance and the Salvation Army.

Remembrance Day in Kingston

The service and wreath laying will take place at the War Memorial. The Remembrance Day commemorations include a March Past, from the Ancient Market Place to the Guildhall at approximately 12 noon.

Residents can help show the nation that Kingston remembers by posting photos from the borough’s remembrance events, formal or informal, on social media using the hashtag #KingstonRemembers.

We will be encouraging our students to get involved on Sunday and visit Kingston to watch the service, the service is well organised and one that will stay with them. Taking part in the two-minute silence will help show a mark of respect if they cannot make a service. I will be suggesting my students put an alarm on their phone to remember this time on Sunday.