This Remembrance Sunday saw wreath-laying services held across Medway with limited numbers to ensure public safety, in line with Covid-19 guidelines. Nonetheless, those taking part in the services and those following livestreams at home paid their respects to the fallen.
Medway Labour Councillors were amongst wreath-layers across our community in memory of those who lost their lives at war.
Cllr Siju Adeoye attended the service at Victoria Gardens, Chatham and said that for her, this was a time to, ‘reflect on the sacrifices of all those who came before us and those who continue advocate for world peace and those who keep us safe on daily basis.’
Cllr Clive Johnson, who laid a wreath at Rainham War memorial on behalf of the Gillingham and Rainham Labour Party added, ‘I’m pleased to see so many other wreaths from across our community and to see the painted stones in memory and recognition of those to whom we owe so much.’
Cllr Alex Paterson paid his respects at Rochester’s War memorial, adding that, ‘2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. I’m here today to pay my respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in that conflict and all other conflicts. We will remember them.’
Cllr Adam Price laid a wreath at the Gillingham War memorial, adding that ‘The wreath-laying service was very different to previous years, but I’m pleased the community could still come together to commemorate those who gave so much for us.’
Cllr Vince Maple, Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Leader and the organiser of the Chatham Remembrance Service said that, ‘On behalf of the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group, I’d like to give huge thank you to everyone who made sure, despite the challenges of CoVid19, we were able to have small socially distanced services and wreath laying across Medway.
‘At Victoria Gardens in Chatham we had around 35 people present instead of the normal 2000+ people. In particular, thanks to the teams from A1 Events and Kent Media Group for allowing people to join from home with the live stream (which is still available to view on the Love Chatham page).
‘Thanks also to Halpern Charitable Foundation & Nucleus Arts CEO David Stokes for production of the outstanding community video, Copper Rivet Distillery for hand sanitiser, Kent Police, Salvation Army, Chatham Town Centre Forum and Medway Council for their support and Rev Martyn Saunders for leading today’s service. Thanks also to all those who took time out to lay wreaths on behalf of organisations this morning.
‘It was never going to be normal this year like so many things, but Chatham ensured Remembrance Sunday continued in a safe way so we could remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.’
The full livestream of the Chatham Remembrance Service is available on the Love Chatham Facebook page here.