Remembrance Sunday Silence: A Day to Honor the Fallen

On Remembrance Sunday, people come together to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives in war. The day has a special significance as it marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918. As the clock strikes 11am, a two-minute silence is observed across the country, and in Horsham Town Centre, the focus will be on the War Memorial in Carfax.

The Remembrance Parade will begin at approximately 10:50 am, making its way down North Street, through East Street, and into Carfax. Representatives from the armed services, youth organizations, and local officials will lay their wreaths at the War Memorial as a mark of solemn respect. The ceremony will be led by Zäl Rustom, Chairman of the Royal British Legion Horsham Branch, followed by Jeremy Quin MP, West Sussex County Council’s Cllr Christian Mitchell, and other dignitaries.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, there will be a one-minute silence at 11 am, during which people are encouraged to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have died in conflict. The Last Post will be sounded by Leader of Horsham District Council Cllr Martin Boffey, and prayers will be said by the Rev’d Canon Lisa Barnett. The Exhortation will be delivered by Zäl Rustom, Chairman of the Horsham Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Remembrance Sunday has its origins in the aftermath of World War I, when it was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of that conflict. After World War II, the scope of the ceremony was extended to include those who died in both wars, and in 1980, it was further expanded to honor all those who have suffered and died in conflict and those who mourn them.

For many, Remembrance Sunday is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives in service of their country. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to their bravery and selflessness, and to remember the impact that war has had on families and communities.

The War Memorial in Carfax will be open for public wreath-laying after the official ceremony, providing a chance for people to pay their respects personally. On Armistice Day (Saturday 11 November), there will also be a short service at the memorial to mark the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, as is traditional.

As we observe the two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday, let us take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives in conflict and honor their memory.

Remembrance sunday silence