This year Remembrance Sunday falls on Sunday 9th November, with Armistice Day falling on Tuesday 11th November; we will once again come together as a community to remember all those who have given their lives in service to their country.
This year marks a key anniversary, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. I remember when I started organising the Remembrance events in Royston nearly 30 years ago; those that had served in that war were many in number. I have spent most of my adult life surrounded by that generation. Now, in 2025, we are approaching the point where that living connection with those who fought and served in the most costly war in human history, will soon be lost.
Many of the veterans that I knew were concerned that what happened during that period of our Nation’s history would be forgotten or seem less important with the passing years. Indeed, it is now more important that we do not forget and we do remember today, tomorrow and forever, the huge sacrifice made by so many so that we may live in peace and freedom.
Education is key for the younger generations to understand how what happened during the second world war relates to the world we live in today. As a well known quote goes “those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. In closing, to echo the words of one world war II veteran I knew, ‘freedom is not free, it was purchased at a huge human cost’.
LESS WE FORGET
Please support the Remembrance Sunday parade and service. Many months of preparation go into organising the Remembrance Sunday parade and service in Royston, and the closing of the roads now costs several thousand pounds; we would particularly encourage and welcome the ex-services community to come and join the parade.
If you wish to march, please be at the top of Queens Road (by the Morrison shop) for 10am on Sunday 9th November.
The annual Poppy Appeal will take place throughout Royston this year between 25th October to the 11th November 2025.
Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service – Sunday 9th November 2025
· Those wishing to participate in the parade to arrive in Queens Road at 10am
· The parade will step off from Queens Road at 10.25am
· The parade will arrive at the War Memorial in Melbourn St. at 10.35am
· The Service of Remembrance will commence at 10.40am
Armistice Day – Tuesday 11th November 2025
· The Service at the War Memorial on Melbourn Street will commence at 10.50am
· Followed by a service at the 91st Bomb Group Memorial in the Priory Memorial Gardens
Chris Murphy Organiser – Royston Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday
