This Saturday marks 105 years since the end of the First World War. It is a chance to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the armed forces, lest we forget.
Essex has a proud military history and is home to some of the most distinguished regiments. With tributes across the county, we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives.
Memorial services are being held all over Essex. There are also parades with military bands, dignitaries and decorations filling the streets. Visit your local council’s website to see what’s on and how you can pay your respects.
Our chairman, Councillor Jill Reeves, will host the County Hall service in Chelmsford. All residents are invited and asked to arrive by 10:50am on Friday for a two-minute silence at 11:00am.
Our Lead Member for Armed Forces, Councillor Derrick Louis, is committed to supporting servicemembers. This year, he has helped research the Essex Armed Forces Needs Assessment (AFNA). This enables decision-makers to see where public resources can best serve military personnel.
He said: “At this time of year, we remember the sacrifice of the armed forces community from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. We pay tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services.
“As someone who served in the British Army for over 30 years, and whose father and grandfathers served in the World Wars, remembrance is deeply personal. In every act of remembrance, we honour the memory of the fallen and pledge to care for the living, including through the work of the Armed Forces Covenant.”
Read the Essex Armed Forces Community Covenant for more about how the armed forces community is supported in Essex.