A Little Bit of Stone will be joining the online celebrations to honour those who lost their lives during the nation’s wars, by streaming the laying of the wreaths in Stone Town Centre live on our Facebook page.
With the current Covid-19 restrictions in place and only small outdoor ceremonies being allowed, people are being encouraged to join in online on Remembrance Sunday (8 November) and Armistice Day (Wednesday 11 November), on social media or to pay their own tributes from home.
The Royal British Legion is inviting people to support and fundraise for the poppy appeal, leave a tribute on the virtual field of remembrance or to take part in the virtual poppy run.
At the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, activities online and on social media will also help families learn about the wide variety of roles performed by the Armed Forces and the importance of remembrance.
Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council, said: “As a former serving member of the Armed Forces myself, I know how special these commemorations are for both current serving and former personnel and their families.
“This year of course will be very different because of Covid-19 and the restrictions in place to control the virus. While it’s sad that we won’t be able to attend large physical services, as in previous years, I would encourage people to try and find a few moments to pay tribute at home or join in with some of the online activities.
“The annual commemorations give us all a chance to pay our respect to those brave members of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. And, while the focus of course will be on the two World Wars, we will also be remembering those who have made sacrifices serving their Country in all conflicts.”
Staffordshire continues to have strong connections with the Armed Forces and is home to three Signal Regiments in Stafford, the Defence Medical Services in Whittington, a large number of Reserve units and Cadets, along with Royal Air Force Tactical Supply Wing at MoD Stafford which was formed in 1970 and celebrates it’s 50th anniversary this year.
Staffordshire companies, organisations and groups are also being reminded about the Armed Forces Covenant and to sign up for it. Signing the covenant means that organisations are supporting their employees as reservists and veterans and benefitting from the wide range of skills and experience that the Armed Forces can bring.
By supporting the Armed Forces community, organisations will also have the opportunity to apply for a number of funding opportunities. Groups can find out how to sign a Covenant and access funding opportunities by visiting https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk. Alternatively people can email amanda.dawson-blower@staffordshire.gov.uk.
The event for the A Little Bit of Stone live stream can be found here. People can also find out more about online activities for Remembrance Sunday at https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance
