Reading Remembers 2022
READING will again come together to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives defending this country, in two separate Remembrance ceremonies this year.
Remembrance Sunday marks Reading’s main service and parade which will take place in the town centre on Sunday 13 November.
Members of the public are invited to attend the Remembrance Service at Reading Minster at 9.25am. There will be 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 of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden.
A march through the town centre follows the Remembrance Service, led by The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles. It will leave Reading Minster at around 10.15am before making its way to the Forbury Gardens. The Remembrance Ceremony at the Forbury War Memorial will include the laying of wreaths and a two-minute silence at 11am. Reading residents are welcome to attend.
Friday 11 November marks Armistice Day this year, and Reading Mayor, Councillor Eden, will lead a two-minute silence at Forbury Gardens War Memorial at 11am while the Deputy Mayor of Reading, Councillor Edwards, will lead a two-minute silence outside the Civic Offices. Members of the public are again invited 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 HQ (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.”
ENDS