READING will come together to remember and pay tribute to the people who lost their lives in service to the country with services on Armistice Day, Friday November 11, and Remembrance Sunday, November 13.
On Armistice Day, Friday, November 11, the mayor of Reading, cllr Rachel Eden, will lead a two-minute silence at Forbury Gardens, while deputy mayor cllr Debs Edwards will lead the observation outside the civic offices, both open to members of the public.
On Sunday, November 13, a Remembrance Service at Reading Minster will see readings from Mr James Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire; Major Robert Whittle, OC C (Berkshire) Company, 7th Battalion, The RIFLES; and the mayor.
There will be a march through the town centre following the service, led by The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles.
The procession will leave Reading Minster at 10.15am to arrive at Forbury Gardens ahead of the ceremony at Forbury War Memorial.
The ceremony will see the laying of wreaths at the memorial and a two minute silence at 11am, also open for residents to attend.
Mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden said: “I invite residents of Reading, and indeed anybody associated with our town, to join us in remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by members of our armed forces and those who continue to risk their lives today.
“It will be an honour to lead the two-minute silences at the Forbury War Memorial and I would encourage as many people as possible to join me on Friday 11 November, or join the march through the town centre on Remembrance Sunday, 13 November, which leaves Reading Minster at 10.15am.”
Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council leader, said: “The two separate Remembrance ceremonies taking place in Reading on Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday offer residents of the town the opportunity to join the rest of the nation in paying tribute to the courage shown by the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.
“Reading will never forget the sacrifices that have been made by those who serve, past and present.”
Major Robert Whittle, OC C (Berkshire) Company, 7th Battalion, The RIFLES said: “The 7th Battalion The RIFLES is both honoured and proud to work alongside and support Reading Borough Council, the people of Berkshire and the wider Community, during this year’s season of Remembrance.
“The Community we are based in has unbreakable links to the Battalion, our Regiment and its antecedents. Today we continue to recruit from, work for, and mark major events such as our national remembrance with the population and its civic representatives.”
