Two chances to remember on Armistice Day (From Swindon Advertiser)

Two chances to remember on Armistice Day

9:40am Thursday 11th September 2008 in News By Sarah Hilley

Mark Ross, left, the chief executive of the town centre company with town centre manager Bernie Maguire

RESIDENTS will have the choice of paying their respects at two locations in Swindon on Armistice Day.

Town centre management company InSwindon is planning a new commemoration in Wharf Green on November 11.

It will take place in addition to the annual remembrance ceremony at the town centre war memorial, beside the town hall.

Normandy veterans and military personnel are expected to be present at the Wharf Green ceremony.

And as members of the public and servicemen gather together they will hear the sounds of the bagpipe.

InSwindon’s chief executive officer Mark Ross said: “It will be a very simple event because of the nature of Armistice Day.

“The idea is to invite shoppers and residents to join us in Wharf Green to take two minutes of silence.

“It is all about highlighting people who have given the ultimate sacrifice across genders and race.”

This year is the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day – which marks the end of the First World War.

People attending the Wharf Green ceremony will hear war poems The Anthem For Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen and For The Fallen by Laurence Binyon.

There is also expected to be a parade.

“We hope lots of people will come down and share the two minutes of silence,” said Mr Ross.

“I find Swindon people have great pride and we hope they will join us for this morning of remembrance.

“We are encouraging a community feeling within the town centre.

“I have been involved in these events before in other towns and find them very poignant. We should all be showing a mark of respect.”

Exact details of the event are still being arranged and will be confirmed later.

The Mayor’s Office is also in the process of finalising the memorial ceremony at the cenotaph, which will take place at 11am.

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, John Bush, will attend and mayor Steve Wakefield will be at the war memorial in Regent Circus from 10.30am.