Remembrance Sunday 2018

Remembrance Sunday will be particularly poignant this year as we mark the centenary of the Armistice in November 1918.  It matters more than ever in our own troubled era that we never forget the horrors of war, nor the tremendous sacrifices made by so many in order that we might live in security and peace.  It matters too that we redouble our efforts to pursue peace, to live peaceably with our neighbours and to support all who seek justice and safety in today’s world.

In Attleborough, Remembrance Sunday will begin with a piper playing When the Battle’s O’er at 6am in Queen’s Square.  This was the time when the Armistice was actually signed in 1918; it came into effect at 11am.  When the Battle’s O’er is a traditional air played by pipers after a battle.  At the same time, a lone piper will be playing in front of the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

In the Parish Church, the day starts with the great Service of Remembrance which Jesus gave to his friends, a living way of remembering his death and resurrection until the end of time: the Holy Eucharist.  The Eucharist will be said at 8am as normal.  The Parish Eucharist will begin promptly half an hour earlier than usual, at 9.30am.  The service will be slightly shortened, with a brief address.  Coffee will be served afterwards in the Hall.  We especially encourage all our communicants to make the effort to come either at 8am or 9.30am to receive the Holy Sacrament together on this day of national remembrance, dedication and thanksgiving.

At 10.50am the Rector, together with town representatives and the Royal British Legion, will lead the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial by Queen’s Square.  This includes the Two Minutes’ Silence.  The procession will then go to the church for the Remembrance Service.  There will be a collection for the Royal British Legion.

In the evening, there will be an Armistice Vigil Service – a quieter, reflective service of readings, psalms and hymns at 6pm, lasting about 45 minutes.  Afterwards, a centenary beacon will be lit in Queen’s Square at 7pm, symbolising the light of hope that emerged from the darkness of war.  Shortly afterwards, at 7.05pm, the bells of St Mary’s will ring out, joining 1000 other towers around the country.  The bells of Besthorpe Church will be rung at 7.30pm.  The stirring sound of church and cathedral bells up and down the land will provide a fitting conclusion to this day of contemplation, commemoration and celebration.

LEST WE FORGET