The Mayor of Penzance, Councillor Nicole Broadhurst, will be marking Remembrance Sunday this weekend alongside the Deputy Town Crier, and representatives from Penzance Royal British Legion, the West Cornwall Light Infantry Association, and the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry in the town’s virtual act of remembrance.
The socially distanced service, recorded on Sunday 1st November, will be one among many virtual activities across the globe to honour those who have served and currently serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life.
The health and safety of local residents remains the top priority for Penzance Council, so there will be no public wreath laying, service, or parade this year.
Due to the second Covid-19 lockdown, set to begin on Thursday 5th November, the Council will be sharing a pre-recorded video via social media and their website to mark Remembrance Sunday.
On Sunday 8th November at 10:58am a recording of a small, socially distanced ceremony will be broadcast on Penzance Council’s Facebook page and website.
Councillor Nicole Broadhurst said, “We are so pleased to be able to commemorate Remembrance Sunday this year despite the current challenges and forthcoming national lockdown due to Covid-19.
“It is so important that we remember those who fought for our freedoms which we have often taken for granted. But this year is different. It has allowed us time to reflect on how precious those freedoms are, and the sacrifice made by those who came before us. We will remember them.”
The ceremony will include a cry from the Deputy Town Crier, the Last Post played by Graham Martin of the West Cornwall Light Infantry Association, a two-minute silence, and wreath laying at the Penzance Cenotaph at Battery Rocks.
“Coming from a family line that have served in every service and in every major conflict from 1914 onwards, I passionately believe in remembering those who gave all for a common national cause” said Phil Northcott, Penzance Deputy Town Crier.
“Today we face a new enemy whose very existence threatens us one and all. As a nation we must come together and do our duty to protect all those around us.”
Despite the current challenges with Covid-19, Penzance will remember the sacrifice of the Armed Forces community.
In every act of remembrance, we honour the memory of the fallen and pledge to care for the living. The act of remembrance and standing together as a community, albeit separately, is perhaps more important than ever this year.
The Memorial Chapel and Gardens in Penlee Park will also be open on Sunday (9:00-16:00) to provide a quiet place to reflect and remember.
