Lest we forget’ – Remembrance weekend plans for 2023

November 1, 2023

Local dignitaries, veterans, servicemen and women and residents will be able to pay their respects during Remembrance weekend as plans for these annual commemoration events are unveiled.

On Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November, The Worshipful the Mayor, Cllr Stephen Habermel will lead the City in the national two-minute silence at Victoria Circus (at the top of Southend High Street) at 11am. All are welcome to attend to pay their respects to those who have given their lives in the service of our country.

On Sunday 12 November, for Remembrance Sunday, there will be a military parade along Clifftown Parade, from Prittlewell Square to the Cenotaph. At 11am the Big Ben chimes will commence the service, followed by a bugler playing ‘The Last Post’ and a two-minute silence.

The Mayor, Cllr Stephen Habermel will lead the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph, followed by other dignitaries. The Cross of Remembrance will be placed on behalf of war widows, alongside wreaths from emergency services and faith community leaders and veteran organisations.

Following a number of readings and prayers, there will be hymns and musical contributions by the Southend Citadel Band of the Salvation Army and Southend Choir.

The Mayor, Cllr Stephen Habermel, said: “Armistice Day and the Remembrance Sunday service are the most important dates in the civic calendar as Mayor. These poignant and emotional services pays tribute to the fallen, who gave their today, for our tomorrow.

“Remembrance weekend is an opportunity for us to collectively remember those who gave their lives in the World Wars and other conflicts, whilst reminding us of the horror of the reality of war. Let us join together and take time out of our weekend to reflect on what is happening across the world. We owe it to those who have died and made the supreme sacrifice in the service of others.”

Several road closures will be in place in the area surrounding the Cenotaph to accommodate the parade and the service. These closures will be lifted once the service has finished and will be clearly signposted with parking restrictions listed.