Staffordshire to pay tribute to armed forces on Remembrance Sunday

People are being invited to take a moment over the weekend to pay tribute to members of the armed forces who lost their lives and were involved in the nation’s wars.

Leading commemorations for Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are services at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, which includes the famous Armed Forces Memorial, honouring members of the forces who have died in service.

Both the HM Lord-Lieutenant for Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJ and Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Phil Hewitt, will be at the Arboretum on Saturday 11 November for a special Armistice Day commemoration.  Mr Dudson will also lead their Remembrance service on Sunday 12 November.

On Friday 10 November, Cllr Hewitt is also hosting an Act of Remembrance in County Buildings in Stafford, in memory of those Staffordshire County Council employees who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.  The Chairman and a representative from UNISON will be laying wreaths at the two memorials in the former members entrance to the building.

Mr Dudson said: “Staffordshire has a special role as the nation’s year-round centre of Remembrance, with the focus being the National Memorial Arboretum.

“Activities focusing on our desire to remember all those who have served and lost their lives for our country will take place right across the county over several days.  I hope and expect that the people of Staffordshire will come together to pay their respects to all those involved in past conflicts.”

Cllr Hewitt said: “It’s always a great honour and privilege to represent Staffordshire at the Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday commemorations.  Both days provide a wonderful opportunity for people to pay their respect to those brave members of our armed forces, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

“I’ll be attending a number of services over the weekend and I would also encourage others to take a few moments to remember the fallen on this special day too.”

The county council continues to support its armed forces communities, and in February 2023, re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant.  In May of this year, the authority also received the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition (DERS) gold award for its work.  The award marks the authority’s ongoing action to support the employment of its armed forces community, recognising the valuable skills and experience they can bring to Staffordshire, to enable them to enjoy full and rewarding careers.

Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Alan White said: “As a former serving soldier and long-standing supporter of the services, I think it’s really important that we take time to remember and honour those who gave up their lives for our freedom.

“Staffordshire has always had a strong connection with the armed forces, and even today we have large bases in Stafford and Lichfield, along with many veterans, reservists, cadets, and armed forces families across the county.   Supporting them and recognising their huge contribution is important and I would urge people to take some time over the weekend to pay tribute and show our appreciation.”

Further details on the Staffordshire Armed Forces Covenant are available on the Armed Forces Covenant webpage.

Further details about Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum can be found here.