Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, extends a heartfelt invitation to all to participate in the city’s Remembrance Sunday observances, honoring the servicemen and women who have given their lives for their country.
This solemn event is scheduled to take place at Victoria Gardens on Sunday, November 10th. Festivities will commence at 10:50 AM when a group of dignitaries departs from Leeds Civic Hall. They will join a procession that includes ex-servicemen and women, various veterans’ organizations, and active military personnel. This procession will march from Rossington Street to the war memorial, leading the tribute.
Joining the Lord Mayor of Leeds in laying wreaths will be prominent figures including the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, Councillor James Lewis, the Leader of Leeds City Council, other party leaders, the Leeds Children’s Mayor, Esosa Ehioghae, members of parliament, political representatives, and family members of the fallen.
The multi-faith service at the war memorial will feature leaders from various religious communities, including the Bishop of Kirkstall, Right Reverend Arun Arora, Rabbi Anthony Gilbert, Senior Imam Qari Muhammad Asim MBE, and the Very Rev Canon Father Matthew Habron.
At 11am, a two-minute silence will be observed nationally, initiated by a bugler sounding the Last Post. To accommodate the large crowd, the service will be shown on two large screens, enabling those further back to view the ceremony. Afterwards, the Lord Mayor and civic leaders will head to Millennium Square for a salute and march past, continuing the day’s commemorations.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung said:
“It is a great honour to lead our fantastic city, with its deep-rooted connections to the armed forces, in a poignant and moving act of remembrance. In these globally troubled times, it is more important than ever that we come together as one community to honour and remember the service and sacrifices of the British and Commonwealth armed forces in defending our freedoms. We also use the occasion to recognise and honour those who have lost their lives because of conflict or terrorism together with marking the vital role played by the emergency services and civilians.”
Initially established to honor those who perished in the First World War, the Remembrance Sunday service takes place annually on the second Sunday of November, aligning closely with Armistice Day on November 11. The service now pays tribute to the sacrifices of British and Commonwealth military and civilian personnel from both world wars and all subsequent conflicts post-1945.
On Armistice Day, Monday, November 11, a brief service will be held at the Victoria Gardens War Memorial in Leeds starting at 10:50 AM, featuring no parade. During this service, wreaths will be laid by the Lord Mayor and the Lord-Lieutenant to solemnly mark the occasion.
Remembrance Sunday is more than just a historical commemoration; it is a day to reflect on peace, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring hope that from great sacrifice comes a greater appreciation for the value of life and freedom. As communities come together to remember, they also reaffirm their commitment to fostering a peaceful world.
