Surrey and Hampshire fall silent on Armistice Day

Events were held virtually due to lockdown restrictions

Author: Carol MusgravePublished 11th Nov 2020
Last updated 11th Nov 2020

People across Surrey and Hampshire have joined the national in paying silent tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict.

Virtual events have been held across the country on Armistice Day today, due to lockdown restrictions.

Hampshire County Council produced a special remembrance video online featuring music by Hampshire Music Service, including a solo bugle performance of the Last Post.

It also features poems and readings from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq, and reservists working at the County Council.

People were asked to pay their respects from a safe distance, preferably at home.

Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Melville Kendal said:

"Every year, cities, towns and villages across the county join others worldwide in falling silent to mark Armistice Day. Although this year, we cannot gather together physically as we normally would, we can still unite online to remember the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community.

"Through this new commemorative film, we aim to honour all those who have served and continue to do so, to defend our democratic freedoms."

Councillor Andrew Joy, Hampshire County Council's Armed Forces Champion and Executive Member for Communities, Partnerships and External Affairs said:

"As we stand together this year, fighting an unseen enemy in Covid-19, it's important we take time to remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed to defend our nation.

"We should also remember the debt we owe to those from the Commonwealth and Allied nations who stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the past to secure our freedom and a future for the communities coming together today."

The video can be viewed on the County Council's social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube) and on the County Council's website.