On the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Monday 11 November 2024, Bedford Borough marked the anniversary of Armistice Day with a poignant ceremony in Riverside Square, Bedford.
The day began with a private Act of Remembrance at the Mayor’s Parlour, followed by a poppy wreath being laid in memory of the fallen. The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, was joined by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Bav Shah. Also present were armed forces personnel, veterans’ associations, other dignitaries, and a small group of students from Wootton Upper School who paid tribute to the sacrifices made by countless individuals during times of conflict.
The public was invited to join in a solemn commemoration at 11am on Riverside Square. The community gathered as the Standard Bearers marched across Riverside Bridge and into the square. A two-minute silence was observed, followed by the National Anthem, then an inspection of Standards by the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire. This poignant moment honoured the fallen and reaffirmed the importance of peace.
Mayor Tom Wootton said; “Armistice Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals to protect our freedoms. By honouring their memory, we ensure that their legacy lives on. We will remember them.”
This year’s commemorations held special significance as they marked the 80th anniversary of key milestones in the Second World War. These include D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and Operation Market Garden, which were fundamental in achieving peace in Europe.