Over 35 wreathes were laid on behalf of key local organisations at a COVID-secure remembrance ceremony outside St Mary’s church in Diss under blue skies and sunshine on Sunday 8th November.
Reverend Canon Tony Billett, Rector of Diss Team Ministry, lead a short act of remembrance recognising the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community, with special reference to the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Honouring those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life, the Last Post was played, and the Standard lowered before two minutes’ silence was held.
Wreath bearers representing local and central government, the armed forces, emergency services, sports clubs, and many more, were then invited, one by one, to lay their wreath and pay respects to those who fought for our country.
Regrettably, due to COVID-19 and the restrictions around social gatherings, a larger public event was not possible this year. The organising committee, made up of representatives from Diss Town Council, the Royal British Legion and St Mary’s Church, worked hard to ensure that the act of remembrance could still go ahead whilst ensuring safety of those in attendance and the whole community.
Town Clerk, Sarah Richards says, “I would like to thank all those involved in making this event happen, with special mention to the members of the organising committee, the wreath layers and the residents of Diss for their understanding regarding this year’s proceedings.”
“I’d also like to thank Jake Kibble, sound engineer and current Honoured Citizen of Diss, Andrew Rackham and his son Lee Rackham for cleaning the war memorial and kindly installing the stunning poppy and Tommy silhouette displays around the town in advance of the event.”
Photos of the ceremony will be published on social media, giving all our community the opportunity to share the memories of this special day. A Remembrance 2020 photo gallery featuring treasured memories and personal tributes of local residents will also be posted on our social media streams to mark Armistice Day on Wednesday 11th November. There won’t be an official ceremony at 11am on this day. Instead, members of the community are encouraged to take the time to remember privately in their homes or places of work.
When you’re on your daily walk, why not take in the remembrance displays at Mere’s Mouth and Diss Museum before continuing on to St Mary’s church to look at the wreaths and pebbles decorated by children from Diss Infants and Juniors schools and others. Bypass the council offices on Market Hill and you will also pass the Union Jack, which will remain raised throughout the week in honour of those who sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
(Taken from ‘For the Fallen’, lines 13-16.)
