The annual Remembrance Sunday parade in East Ham has been cancelled and the service will be streamed online this year because of Covid-19 restrictions.
A service of remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph in Central Park on November 8 and can be watched on the council’s YouTube channel so that people can pay their respects from the safety of their homes.
The service will be a much smaller event than usual and by invitation only, so won’t be open to the general public to attend.
Honouring the armed forces and war dead is particularly pertinent this year, having marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the 80th anniversary of the start of the Blitz and the sad passing of Newham’s own “forces sweetheart” Dame Vera Lynn aged 103.
Deputy mayor and lead member for resident engagement and participation, Cllr Charlene McLean, said: “In this significant year for remembrance, it is sad that we cannot honour those that gave their lives to secure our freedom, in the usual way.
“However, paying a fitting tribute to all those who have served and defended our values, freedoms and way of life remains extremely important.
“That’s why I would urge you all to take the time on Sunday, November 8, to join the two- minute silence - from your front rooms, from your front doors, from wherever you find yourselves - to make that act of remembrance.”
The Royal British Legion took the difficult decision to cancel the parade, which traditionally marches from East Ham Town Hall to the Cenotaph in Central Park, to comply with the Covid-19 restrictions.
Cllr McLean said: “Working alongside the Royal British Legion, we have had to consider the wellbeing of those attending the service as our priority, so I would appeal to residents not to visit to the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday but to view the service online.
“I would also urge Newham residents to support the Royal British Legion’s fundraising efforts.
“We will remember them.”
Visit www.youtube.com/user/LBNewham to watch the council’s YouTube channel.
Go to britishlegion.org.uk for more information about fundraising efforts and suggested ways to mark the occasion.
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