There is not much this year which is continuing as normal and in 102nd year since the end of the first world war, Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day will both be very different from usual.
There will not be the usual parades and big show at the Royal Albert Hall, the wreaths at the cenotaph will be laid without the parade of veterans or the public watching on but we can ensure the sentiment is still there. The anniversary will still occur and our thoughts have not been stifled and so we can still remember all of the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice their life for the liberty of us all and for peace at home. The fact that this year things will be a little different may make things even more poignant. Certainly this year we have come to know how awful it is to hear of daily death figures, to feel unsafe and to miss family and friends. Perhaps in some small way this will give us greater understanding of the sacrifices made for us. The suffering of this country through coronavirus is very small thankfully compared with the suffering in both world wars but perhaps it gives us a tiny insight into that suffering and the resilience and courage of the people who fought for us or waved their loved ones goodbye and waited for news. This year we can still wear our poppy with pride and stand in respect and silence on our doorsteps. There are displays of poppies we can view as we take our daily exercise and the wreaths will still be placed on war memorials.
This year, more than ever, we need to remember in our own way. There will be many more years to go back to tradition.
And so on behalf of everyone at Jacksons, we thank those who sacrificed so much so that we can live in peace, we remember them and promise we will never forget.
Jane Armitage, Managing Partner