Residents are invited to join civic dignitaries, veterans, and representatives of the Armed Forces at commemorative events organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. The annual act of remembrance will take place at the Cenotaph in Red Lion Square at 11am on Wednesday, 11 November. This ceremony will include the sounding of the Last Post, followed by a two-minute silence, to mark the Armistice of 11 November 1918.
Wreaths will be laid at the memorial by the Mayor, Cllr. Christopher Bailey, and other civic dignitaries and representatives. Council Leader Jonathan Gullis emphasised the solemnity of the occasion, stating, “Remembrance is one of the most solemn and sacred moments in our national calendar. It is a time when we come together, united as one community and one nation, to honour the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country.”
He added, “Generations of brave British men and women answered the call of duty, leaving behind their families, loved ones and everything they held dear. Many never came home. They gave their tomorrows so that we could have our todays, defending the freedoms and way of life we must never take for granted.” Gullis also highlighted the debt of gratitude owed to those remembered on war memorials and their families.
The Wednesday commemoration follows Remembrance Sunday on 8 November, which includes a traditional service at St. Giles’ Church at 10am, followed by the act of remembrance and wreath-laying at the Cenotaph at 11am. Spectators are asked to assemble behind the barriers opposite the war memorial, near the Art of Siam restaurant.
The parade, led by the pipes and drums of the Black Watch Association, will depart from Queens Gardens at 9.35am. The Mayor will take the salute at the top of Castle Walk as the parade returns to Queens Gardens via the Ironmarket at approximately 11.30am.
