Reading Remembers 2023

READING will once again unite to pay respects to those men and women who selflessly sacrificed their lives to defend this country, with two Remembrance ceremonies this year.

Remembrance Sunday is the day of Reading’s main service and parade, taking place in the town centre on Sunday 12 November.

A Remembrance Service will be held at Reading Minister at 9.25 am, with members of the public invited to attend. There will be readings from, Mr Andrew Try, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Capt. Ian Page, Second in Command HQ Company, 7^th Battalion, the RIFLES, and the mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page.

Following the Remembrance Service, a march through the town centre led by The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles. It will leave Reading Minster at around 10.15 am before making its way down to Forbury Gardens. The Remembrance Ceremony at the Forbury War Memorial will include the laying of the wreaths and a two-minute silence at 11am. Reading Residents are welcome to attend.

This year, Saturday 11 November marks Armistice Day. Reading mayor, Cllr Tony Page will lead a two-minute silence at Forbury Gardens War Memorial at 11am. Members of the public are invited to attend.

Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, said:

“I invite the residents of Reading, and indeed anybody associated with our town, to join us in remembering the sacrifices made by those 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 Saturday 11 November, or join the march through the town centre on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, which will leave Reading Minster at 10.15am.”

Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said:

“Both of these remembrance ceremonies, taking place in Reading on Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday, offer residents the opportunity to join the rest of our nation in paying tribute to the courage shown by those brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country and in securing our freedom.

"Reading will always remember the sacrifices made by those who serve – past and present.”

Capt. Ian Page, Second in Command HQ Company, 7th Battalion, the RIFLES:

“The 7th Battalion The RIFLES is both honoured and proud to again be working alongside and supporting Reading Borough Council, the people of Berkshire, and the wider community, during this year’s season of Remembrance.

“We are proud to honour our community's unbreakable links to the Battalion, our Regiment and its antecedents. We continue to recruit from, work for, and mark major events, such as our national remembrance, with the population and its civic representatives.”

ENDS