LIKE so many other activities this year, national and local events to mark Remembrance Sunday have been drastically affected, but even if large-scale events have been cut back, each of us can mark the occasion in our own way.
And there is much to remember this year.
It was the 80th anniversaries of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, and 75 years since World War Two ended. It is also 60 years since the Malayan Emergency ended, and within my lifetime, now an incredible 30 years since HM Armed Forces were deployed to the Gulf following the invasion of Kuwait, and 25 years since the first phase of UK operations in support of peacekeeping missions in the former Yugoslavia ended.
A small service was held at the cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven. A small delegation of representatives from the town and county council, and other community organisations were there to represent the larger numbers usually attending.
The wreath laying was done as usual, with Stephen Crabb MP leading the ceremony.
However, without the marching band, cadets and usual pageantry the atmosphere was considerably more sombre.
Other cut-down services were held all over Pembrokeshire, with everyone doing the best they could considering the circumstances of the last day of the ‘fire-break’ lockdown.
Paul Davies AM, Welsh leader of the Conservatives said: “Many people here in Wales will have their own memories, either of relatives who went away to take part, or perhaps even of their own experiences in these and other conflicts, and while our collective Remembrance parades and services will not take place as before, it offers us the chance for quiet, individual reflection.
“Other ways in which we can show our respect include watching the RBL’s Festival of Remembrance this evening, watching the service from The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, or the National Service of Remembrance for Wales broadcast, and observing The Silence at 11am that day.
“However, you intend to mark the day in this a year when we have all made sacrifices, we must not forget that many of our Armed Forces personnel have made even greater sacrifices for our country. Many have died, many have suffered grievous physical wounds, and many suffer invisible emotional and psychological scars.
“We will remember them.”
Adam Price MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru also reflected on this important day: “The pandemic has reminded all too many of us of the fragility of life. This year’s Remembrance Sunday will be a particularly poignant one.
“As we came together on our doorsteps at the start of the pandemic to thank those who fought to keep us safe from harm from the virus, many of us will join together on Remembrance Sunday to remember and show support for those who have fought in conflict.
“Standing at our doorsteps of our homes is a fitting way to show respect and stay safe in 2020, and perhaps the challenging circumstances will make it all the more poignant. In solidarity, we will pay tribute to veterans of war, those currently serving in the armed forces, and to remember all victims of conflict.
“This year’s commemorations should provide an opportunity for sombre reflection for all who suffered and died in wars throughout our history, as we strive towards a future of peace and prosperity.”
In his daily coronavirus update, the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr David Simpson said: “Sadly, Remembrance Sunday is so different from previous years
“There will be no church services or parades although the regulations state that a person has a reasonable excuse to leave where they are living to attend a Remembrance event although such gatherings cannot exceed 30 individuals.
“Of course we can all take part in the commemorations by observing the two minutes silence in our own homes at 11 o’clock.”
