Cardiff to host National Service of Remembrance for Wales
The commemorative event will see detachments from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and Cadet Forces march past City Hall
Cardiff is set to host the National Service of Remembrance for Wales on Sunday, November 9, in a ceremony in partnership with The Royal British Legion.
The commemorative event will see detachments from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and Cadet Forces march past City Hall and along King Edward VII Avenue, assembling at the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park by 10:40am.
Armed forces will be joined by columns of ex-Service personnel:
They will be joined by columns of ex-Service personnel, coordinated by The Royal British Legion, and representatives from organisations linked to both current and past conflicts.
From 10:30am, the Canton Salvation Army Band will provide a musical prelude, leading up to the service’s commencement just before 11am. The ceremony will open with words from Reverend Canon Stewart Lisk, Honorary Chaplain to Cardiff Council, and feature choral performances by the Cardiff Military Wives Choir Caerdydd and the National St John Ambulance Cymru Choir.
At 10:59am, a bugler from The Royal Welsh Regimental Band and Corps of Drums will sound the ‘Last Post’, followed by a gun salute from the 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, Newport, marking the start of a two-minute silence at 11am. The silence will conclude with a second gun salute and the playing of ‘Reveille’.
"It is our duty to remember them"
Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, said:
"The National Service of Remembrance is a powerful annual moment for us all to come together in honour of the countless men and women who have served in times of conflict, but it is of particularly significance this year as we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. The courage and sacrifice of our service men and woman have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today, and it is our duty to remember them.
First Minister Eluned Morgan, said: “The National Service of Remembrance is a poignant occasion and one that will be replicated at memorials the length and breadth of Wales.
“We owe our armed forces and veterans an immense debt of gratitude. The National Service is an opportunity for us to remember those who have lost their lives defending our freedom and way of life. It is also important to think of the servicemen and women on active service overseas today, and the dangers they face. The demands on them and their families are considerable and I offer my support to them as we remember and honour the sacrifices they make."
“We owe our armed forces and veterans an immense debt of gratitude"
The Band of the Royal Welsh and Corps of Drums will close the ceremony with the National Anthems of Wales and Great Britain. Members of the public are welcome to lay wreaths at the memorial following the service.