People of all ages from across Cheltenham will be gathering at the War Memorial on the Promenade this weekend to pay their respects to armed forces members who died serving their country.
Businesses and offices are being encouraged by Cheltenham’s council to pause and remember during the two-minute silences held at 11am on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of November.
However, with current ongoing pro-Palestine protests, some people may worry the memorial peace will be disrupted. Despite this, Cheltenham’s Royal British Legion Chairman, Roy W Roberts, who served in the Royal Airforce for 31 years, expressed his opinion: “We will go ahead no matter what, I just hope anybody involved in a protest will remember that they have the freedom to do so, because of the people who’s sacrifice we are remembering”.
Jessica, a student from Cheltenham, said “My grandparents fought in the war, and I think (the ceasefire marches and Remembrance Day) should go hand in hand. People are saying they shouldn’t happen but I disagree, because we have to remember, after the war there was the phrase ‘never again’ and that’s what it means- thousands of innocent people are dying, this is exactly what we fought against”.
There will be an exhortation from Roberts, followed by a lone trumpeter playing ‘The last post’, and a standard lowering observed with silence. Just before the parade, Cheltenham’s mayor will lay the first poppy wreath, shortly perused by other civic dignitaries.
Each year, there are usually around 200 people, including scouts, schoolchildren and veterans lining up across the Promenade to show their support, bringing the community together and reminding us of the day’s significance.
