Remembrance Sunday Service Honours Fallen Soldiers

This year’s Remembrance Sunday service is closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph in the presence of 40 invited guests including the Lieutenant-Governor, the Bailiff and the Deputy Chief Minister.

The Act of Remembrance will honour those who have served, and also provide an opportunity to show support for those serving at this time.

It will commence at 11am with a gun salute, followed by a two-minute silence after which wreaths shall be laid in a ceremony.

Up to 60 people will lay wreaths on behalf of groups and organisations, and will be positioned at numbered stations in order to maintain physical distancing.

All others wanting to lay their wreaths can do so any time between 2pm today (8 November) and 9:30am on Wednesday 11th November.

The usual march that occurs annually has been cancelled because of the ongoing pandemic.

Two closed ceremonies will be held in addition to the main remembrance for the Jersey Joint Services Veterans Association and the Royal British Legion Bikers.

Like many other charities this year, the Jersey Poppy Appeal has seen its fundraising affected by the coronavirus crisis. 

The Lieutenant-Governor Sir Stephen Dalton says Jersey's Royal Engineer Field Squadron has been 'key elements' to the island's response to the pandemic.

"The islands reservist has been putting their military skills to excellent use by taking on the management, storage and distribution of the vital PPE, that has been so critical to the protection of our medical and care workers in these unprecedented times."

He says that although the frontline heroes have been the health and care workers, he wanted to thank the 'other champions' within the community.

"(Those) who have stepped forward in our communities to do things for the rest of us, to help a neighbour, to support an elderly person who is alone and frightened, and to comfort those who had to be in isolation, who could not have visitors or the physical touch of a relative or friend."

Sir Stephen acknowledged the physical, mental and financial difficulties islanders have faced this year.

"In asking you to support the poppy appeal this year, I'm acutely aware the last 8 months have been a physical and mental health challenge for our outstanding medical professionals and those who provide the caring services in Jersey.

"At the same time, it has been a demanding period for many key workers and their families who have sustained our essential services, and for some of our most vulnerable people in Jersey.

"However, as well as being an emotionally stressful time for some, there have also been those who have faced considerable financial pressures.

"So, in encouraging islanders to support the annual poppy appeal, I am very conscious that some will find it difficult to donate to the charity when they are having to make savings to provide for their own families."

He finished by thanking the volunteers who make it possible for fundraisers and events to go ahead.

"I am so very grateful to the army of volunteers for this essential work and for their unerring support come rain or shine.

"On behalf of the veterans, the other beneficiaries, the Royal British Legion and myself, I thank you whole heartedly for your support and I am very grateful to you and all islanders for whatever donations you can make. Thank you."