For those of us who work in the town centre there is an opportunity this Friday to observe the 2 minutes silence together. I will be going to the war memorial in Forebury gardens but there will also be a gathering outside the Civic Centre. On Remembrance Sunday there is the civic service at Brook Barracks which is always a special ceremony too, which I also plan to attend.
Council press release:
Two ceremonies take place this Friday (Nov 11) to pay tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defence of this country.
Reading’s Mayor Councillor Deborah Edwards will lead a two minute silence at the Forbury War Memorial at 11am. And Deputy Mayor Councillor Gul Khan will lead a similar tribute outside the Civic Offices, also at 11am. People are welcome to join in the two minute silence at either event.
On Remembrance Sunday (13th) the Council will be represented at the annual ceremony at Brock Barracks on the Oxford Road. Representatives of the Royal British Legion and Forces will also be there.
Cllr Edwards said: ‘I am extremely honoured to be leading the two minute silence at Forbury War Memorial. It will be a very poignant and dignified occasion and I hope as many people as possible will be able to join me, or Gul, in this act of remembrance.’
This is the first time Reading’s Mayor has led a tribute at the Forbury War Memorial. Normally the two minute silence is led by the Mayor outside the Civic Offices.
The change is the result of a resolution put forward to the Council last year by Councillor Chris Maskell. He said: ‘The Council believes the people of Reading, in line with a request from The Royal British Legion, should be given the opportunity to gather for remembrance in a formal setting.”
