Honouring the Fallen - Remembrance Day

Things have slightly changed this year and as we approach the annual memorial dates for our fallen heroes, the Society will be remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice by commemorating Remembrance Sunday on 8 November and Armistice Day on 11 November.

All our sites that are open will take part in the two-minute silences at 11am, held on Sunday 8 and Wednesday 11 November, respectively. We ask for all colleagues wherever you are, to join in to mark the commemorations.

Public Memorials

This year the British Legion have altered their plans in line with the Government guidelines and new lockdown restrictions meaning the annual Remembrance Sunday march past the Cenotaph in London will not take place. However, a closed ceremony will still take place along with a televised service on Sunday morning. Many councils have also changed their plans for local Remembrance Sunday events, such as services held at war memorials, so it is worth checking with your local authority, should you wish to pay your respects.

Don’t forget you can still show your support by donating to the poppy appeal online here.

An example of Remembrance at our Funeralcare branch in Walsall

Have a look at some of our store or branch displays around remembrance here. #LestWeForget 🌺

A Visit from the Imperial War Museum to Co-op House

Did you know within the Society, we have a dedicated Roll of Honour with 57 colleagues honoured on the board? Well, the memorial itself was recently researched by Imperial War Museum Volunteer, David Austin, who came to visit Co-op House and tell us a little bit more on how he came across the memorial while researching the record books.

What is the Roll of Honour?

The Midcounties Roll of Honour

The Roll of Honour lists all those who lost their lives during the Great War. The average age of those on the roll will be 19 or 20.

The 57 names on the Roll of Honour aren’t just anonymous names but are colleagues like us who worked in our stores and sites. That is 57 colleagues who never saw their families again. 57 colleagues who never had the chance to have a family or watch their children grow up. 57 colleagues who didn’t grow old with their loved ones.

This is a very important piece of our history and David who has documented about war memorials in Warwickshire, cycled across the county to find out more. During this time, he has cycled over 3,700 miles and captured 650 memorials in 570 locations around Warwickshire.

David Austin from the Imperial War Museum at Co-op House

Regarding our War memorial, it holds an official record in the Imperial War Museum Memorial Register. This database is for all memorials in the UK and forms a part of the history of conflict. It ultimately allows relatives and historians to carry out historical research and ensures it is never forgotten. If you would like to find out more information, please see here.