Remembrance and Armistice Day Events in Reading

READING comes together once more to pay respects to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the country, with two Remembrance ceremonies taking place in the town over the coming days and residents invited to attend.

Remembrance Sunday marks Reading’s main service and parade, which will take place in the town centre on Sunday 8 November.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Remembrance Service which begins at 9.25am at Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin. There will be readings from Mr Graham Barker, Vice Lord Lieutenant of The Royal County of Berkshire, The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, and The Bishop of Reading, Rt Revd Mary Gregory.

Following the church service, a march through the town centre will be led by The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles. This will leave Reading Minster at around 10.25am, before making its way down to the Forbury Gardens. Members of the public are welcome to join the march.

The Remembrance Ceremony at the Forbury War Memorial which follows will include the laying of the poppy wreaths and a two-minute silence at 11am, as well as a performance by Ukrainian choir Kryla (КРИЛА).

Wednesday 11 November marks Armistice Day. Reading’s Mayor, Cllr Paul Gittings, will lead a two-minute silence at Forbury Gardens War Memorial from 11am. Members of the public are again welcome to attend.

 Mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, said:

 “I would encourage all residents to join me and others to pay their respects at this year’s Remembrance Sunday event on November 8 or the Armistice Day ceremony on 11 November at the Forbury War Memorial

“We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who have served, and indeed those who still serve, and never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy today as a result of their sacrifices.”

 Councillor Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said:

“Our town’s two Remembrance events are an important time of reflection for everyone and a time to pay tribute to the bravery, selflessness and courage of our personnel, both past and present.”