“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
Remembrance Day remains as important as it has ever been and to us, and many others, means so much more than simply looking back at years gone by and those lost long ago. With so much conflict across the world, and so many people struggling not only to fight but to simply survive, the concept of remembrance is one that is very much present and relevant every single day.
We remember those who have given their lives for our freedom – but also those that still fight to protect and defend their countries and their families, and those that stand firm for peace in the face of adversity and horror. Those whose homes and lives have been ripped from them, those seeking shelter and safety from war in lands unknown to them. Those who live in daily fear, amid battles not of their own making.
As we decorate the windows of our branches, lay flowers, wear poppies, gather together in the community, and bow our heads in silence… we remember them all, and hope and pray for peace. Lest we forget.
Hunnaball Family Funeral Group and the Armed Forces
We are honoured to count a number of HM Armed Forces veterans as part of Hunnaball Family Funeral Group and grateful to them for their service to our country as well as for their important work continuing to serve and support the bereaved and the deceased in our communities.
Earlier this year, we were also proud to further demonstrate our support for the armed forces community with the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging our commitment to recognising the value that veterans, as well as serving personnel, and their families, contribute to our country, and ensuring that all within the Armed Forces community are treated with respect and equality. Click here to find out more on our blog post.
What does Remembrance mean to Hunnaball Family Funeral Group?
Comment from Hunnaball’s Mark Ingram:
“I am currently Head of Branch Network at the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group and have been part of the Hunnaball team for over eight years now. I served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces for 24 years as a Royal Military Policeman reaching the rank of Warrant Officer First Class, Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1 RSM) retiring in 2016 and starting a career within the funeral industry.
Remembrance Sunday has a very personal meaning to me as it will no doubt with those serving members of the armed forces, the veteran community and their families. It serves as a time to honour those who sacrificed their lives in military service and allows us to live in relative peace today. It is a solemn reminder to us all of the courage, resilience, and selflessness shown by countless men and women who stood in harm’s way to protect others.
For many it is a chance to pause and reflect on family members, friends and comrades who are or have served, to reflect on the hardships they endured, and for us all to be eternally grateful for the freedom we have which we so often take for granted.
The ceremonies, with their moment of silence, wreath laying, and wearing of the poppy symbolises a shared space for gratitude, respect and community. A stark reminder of how past and present sacrifices continue to shape the present and our future. I will take my place within the remembrance parade in Colchester City Centre on Sunday 10th during which I will lay a wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group.”
Remembrance Day Events in Essex
If you wish to mark Remembrance Day with your local community, below are just a handful of places across the county where you may wish to do so:
Colchester, north Essex and Suffolk:
A Remembrance Sunday service will take place on Sunday 10th November, from 10:45am at Colchester War Memorial (High Street, CO1 1DN). Monday 11th November will see an Armistice Day ceremony at Colchester Town Hall (High Street, CO1 1PJ), from 11am including 11am silence.
North Essex Veteran Support Group will be hosting a Remembrance Sunday ceremonial event on Sunday 10th November, commemorating Armistice Day, at Mistley War Memorial (opposite Mistley Towers, CO11 1EX) from 10:55am.
Ipswich Borough Council and the Royal British Legion have organised a service at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park (IP4 2BX), from 10:50am, on Sunday 10th November, followed by services of remembrance on Monday 11th November, again at the Cenotaph and the Old Cemetery from 10:50am with a two-minute silence at 11am.
Sunday 10th November will see Remembrance Day parades held by the Sudbury branch of the Royal British Legion in Great Cornard (congregating at the Kings Head, CO10 0JE, at 9:40am before a service at 10:15am) and Sudbury (forming on Market Hill, CO10 2EA, at 1:40pm followed by a service at 2:30pm). There will be a 2 minute silence held at the Town Hall (CO10 1TL) at 11:00am on Monday 11th November.
Witham:
Witham Town Council’s Remembrance Parade will take place on Sunday 10th November, commencing from The Avenue (CM8 2DN) at 2:20pm leading to the Memorial Gardens (CM8 2AY) where the Remembrance Sunday Service will take place at 3:00pm.
In our vocation, we believe remembrance to be not only about those lost in war, but also extends to the memory of anyone that is missed by those that were dear to them. The effects of losing anyone important in our lives can have an impact all year round but may be felt more keenly than ever on occasions like Remembrance Day.
If you require any support or guidance following a loss or need practical advice about ‘what happens next’, the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group are here to help. Visit your local branch and speak to the compassionate teams, or call us in branch on 01206 760049.
