Doorstep silence and online services for Remembrance Sunday in Wales
People in Wales are being asked to mark today’s two minute Remembrance Sunday silence on their doorstep as Coronavirus has scaled back services this year.
A National Service of Remembrance for Wales will be broadcast online from the National War Memorial in Cardiff from 10.50 this morning, while Swansea's Guildhall will be lit up in Poppy-Red from today until Armistice Day.
You can watch the service here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/cardiffcouncil
The Royal British Legion's asking people to observe a two minute silence on their doorstep at 11 o’clock and share their stories online.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the fallen would still be honoured:
“There will be no crowds gathering in churches, at war memorials or gardens of Remembrance across Wales to pay their respects to the generations of men and women who have served their country. Yet, they will not be forgotten.
“The cruellest aspect of this pandemic is that because the virus thrives on everyday human contact, we’ve had to minimise so much of the contact we all have with each other. A far smaller number of people will attend this year’s Remembrance services in person: they will attend on behalf of us all. But, despite the challenges posed by the virus, we remain committed in our honour.”
Other Welsh political leaders shared their thoughts on an unprecedented Remebrance Sunday.
Paul Davies, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives said it was a year for momentous anniversaries:
“here 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.”
Adam Price, Leader of Plaid Cymru, said the mark of respect on our doorsteps was fitting and poignant:
“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.
Jane Dodds, Leader of The Welsh Liberal Democrats, said the occasion was also for living servicemen and women:
“Our armed forces do incredible work in some of the most dangerous and inhospitable places imaginable. We owe those who’ve served and those who serve today our sincere gratitude and respect.”