Remembrance

The Royal British Legion is recognised as the national custodian of Remembrance.

Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

Bedford holds two events, both organised by members of the branch:

Firstly, the parade and service at the war memorial on The Embankment. This is held on Remembrance Sunday. The parade starts at the 'Eat Fish' restaurant on The Embankment at about 10.40 a.m. and makes its way down towards the memorial. A service is held at the memorial at 11.00 a.m. and includes the laying of wreaths. The service lasts about 1 hour after which the parade makes its way down towards Harpur Square via St Pauls Square. The following roads are closed in whole or in part between 10.00 a.m. and the close of the parade: The Embankment, Newnham Road, Albany Road, Rothsay Road and Bushmead Avenue.

Secondly, the parade outside Boots in Harpur Square. This is held on Armistice Day at 11.00 a.m. and marks the exact time and date on which the First World War came to an end in Europe. It is a short parade of about 10 minutes and includes the traditional two minutes' silence.

The public are very welcome to attend both these events.

A great deal of time and effort goes into these events and the branch is sincerely grateful to the support and assistance given by the following each year:

Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police, Bedford Town Band, Bedford Pipe Band, Bedford Salvation Army, the Swan Hotel together with all the other associations, organisations and individuals who attend these events.

The branch has a parade sub-committee which oversees the arrangements and if there are any matters which you wish to discuss or want them to consider, please e-mail martyn.hudson2@btinternet.com or telephone Martyn Hudson - 07788 788095