Lord-Lieutenant brings the people of Bedfordshire together virtually to remember those who have given their lives through war in service of our country
Tuesday, 3 November 2020
Each year HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis and her team of deputy lieutenants visit towns and villages in Bedfordshire on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day to pay their respects.
The Lord-Lieutenant and deputy lieutenants are joined by members of the clergy, civic leaders, veterans, servicemen, cadets and members of the public where they lay a wreath on behalf of HM The Queen. The service is ended with two minutes' silence at 11am.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the services this year are on a much smaller basis with limited attendance and no military parades. In order for everyone to be able to take part in the safety of their own home, the Lord-Lieutenant and her team have produced an online service which can be viewed on YouTube.
Find out more about the Lord-Lieutenant (this will include link to view the service over the Remembrance Sunday weekend).
This virtual service, which includes an address and blessing from the Bishop of Bedford and prayers from our diverse faith communities, will be an opportunity for us all to remember all those who sacrificed so much to enable us to strive to live in peace and harmony. The virtual service also pays tribute to all those who have gone the extra mile to get us through the COVID-19 emergency and continue to do so as we face the next few months ahead.
Speaking about the service, the Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis said:
Each year I am honoured to attend a Remembrance Service in Bedfordshire and lay a wreath on behalf of HM The Queen, in memory of all who have served our country so that we might have the opportunity to live in a more peaceful world.
This year, my Service has been transferred online, but will still give us the opportunity to pay our respects to the members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives fighting for their country, and our freedoms. We will also remember all those who are working today, in our communities, to keep us safe during the pandemic.
I hope that you will take some time out of your day at some point today to watch the service so we can remember together in spirit while viewing from our own homes.