Leeds is set to honor Remembrance Sunday on November 10th with a heartfelt ceremony at Victoria Gardens, led by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung. The day will feature a solemn silence at 11am, a procession, and a multi-faith service, bringing together veterans, dignitaries, and the community in a powerful tribute to those who have sacrificed for their country.
What is Leeds doing to honour Remembrance Sunday?
Leeds will honour Remembrance Sunday with a ceremony led by the Lord Mayor at Victoria Gardens on November 10th. A silence will be observed at 11am, following a procession and multi-faith service. The day includes a parade, wreath-laying by dignitaries, and participation from veterans, military personnel, and the community.
The Call to Remember
The reflective silence that embodies Remembrance Sunday is a profound tradition in the UK. This year, Leeds once again prepares to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, extends an invitation to all citizens to join in this solemn ceremony. “It is a great honour,” she stated, “to lead our fantastic city, with its deep-rooted connections to the armed forces, in a poignant and moving act of remembrance.”
As the leaves turn golden and the air chills, the people of Leeds will gather at Victoria Gardens on the 10th of November. A unified silence will fall at 11am, following a procession and a service that acknowledges the bravery of those who served. The service will be led by the Bishop of Kirkstall, the Right Reverend Arun Arora, with diverse contributions reflecting the city’s multi-faith community.
A Parade of Pride and Remembrance
The day will commence with a sense of solemn anticipation as a procession of dignitaries leaves Leeds Civic Hall at 10:50am. They will join a parade that symbolizes the city’s enduring respect for veterans and active service members. Among those laying wreaths will be notable figures including the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, and Leeds City Council Leader Councillor James Lewis.
Veterans, military personnel, and organisations will march to the war memorial from Rossington Street. The Leeds Children’s Mayor, Esosa Ehioghae, and members of parliament will also participate. Their presence, along with family representatives of the fallen, underscores the communal nature of the event. The service will be broadcast on large screens, ensuring all can witness the acts of homage regardless of their position in the crowd.
Continuity and Commemoration
The narrative of Remembrance Sunday resonates beyond temporal boundaries, linking past sacrifices to present-day reflections. Councillor Marshall Katung emphasized the importance of unity, “In these globally troubled times, it is more important than ever that we come together as one community.” Her sentiments echo through the city as it prepares to honour its heroes.
While the service traditionally commemorates the First World War’s sacrifices, it now extends to acknowledge all conflicts since 1945. This inclusivity reflects the evolving nature of remembrance and the ongoing commitment of the British and Commonwealth forces. To extend the tribute, a short service will also be held on Armistice Day at the Leeds Victoria Gardens War Memorial, where the Lord Mayor and Lord-Lieutenant will lay wreaths.
Leeds’s engagement with Remembrance Sunday is a testament to its civic spirit and historical consciousness. It offers a space for collective mourning and recognition of the resilience and courage inherent in the human spirit. As the city readies itself for this year’s commemoration, it stands as a beacon of reflection and respect, inviting all to partake in this act of remembrance.
- Leeds will honor Remembrance Sunday with a ceremony at Victoria Gardens on November 10th, led by Lord Mayor Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.
- A moment of silence will be observed at 11am, following a procession and a multi-faith service that includes the Bishop of Kirkstall.
- The parade will feature dignitaries, veterans, and military personnel, with notable figures such as the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Council Leader participating in wreath-laying.
- The event emphasizes unity and community involvement, inviting citizens to come together in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
- The commemoration recognizes sacrifices from all conflicts since 1945, reflecting an inclusive approach to remembrance alongside a short service on Armistice Day.