Pontypridd Remembrance Sunday Parade And Service takes place on Sunday, November 14.
Organised by the Council, in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and Pontypridd Town Council, the public event is being held within the surroundings of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, which celebrates its centenary in 2023.
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions now in place across Wales, the people of Rhondda Cynon Taf are once again able to attend the Pontypridd Remembrance Service and Parade after a very difficult 18 months due to the pandemic.
Those attending are advised to make use of the hand sanitising stations around the park on the day, to wear face coverings if they feel comfortable doing so and to be mindful of others around you at all times, in the interest of public safety.
Preceding the Pontypridd Remembrance Service at the War Memorial, in the heart of the park, will be a Remembrance Parade following a 0.87km route around the public park.
All RCT Armed Forces Veterans are invited to be part of the Remembrance Parade, lining up behind the official Standards and Standard Bearers. The Parade will form up on the tennis courts in the park at 10:25am prompt, with the Parade starting at 10:35am.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: “Last year was a very different year and our residents and local communities were not able to commemorate Remembrance Sunday in the usual way.
“This year, however, we are able to do in a safe and organised environment. Remembrance Sunday is an important day for all of us to once again come together and pay tribute to those residents of our County Borough who made the ultimate sacrifice at home and overseas while serving their country.
“We owe these people so much and must never forget our Armed Forces community, past and present. All Armed Forces veterans of all ages are invited to join our Remembrance Parade at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park on Remembrance Sunday.”
The Remembrance Parade will take place entirely within Ynysagharad War Memorial Park, making its way up Main Avenue and following the main route behind the bandstand to the War Memorial, a distance of 870 metres.
Two-minute silence will be marked at 11am, followed by a Remembrance Service and the laying of poppy wreaths at the War Memorial.
Remembrance Services will also be held throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf at the same time, with residents, businesses and local communities all paying their respects to those brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Community Councillor Simon Pritchard, Leader of Pontypridd Town Council, said: “I look forward to having the opportunity to pay my respect this year at the Pontypridd Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade in a way that allows more people to be present than was possible last year.
“We owe such a debt of gratitude to our Armed Forces community, past and present and I am sure the people of Pontypridd and its surrounding communities will be out in numbers to pay their own personal respects on the day.”
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, was bequeathed to the public as the official memorial for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in service overseas and at home. In 1923, Field Marshal Viscount Allenby officially opened the park as a War Memorial Park.
A Roll of Honour within Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, at the Memorial Garden, commemorates those who lost their lives during war and conflict. There is also a Falklands War Memorial dedicated to those Welsh Guards rom the local area who gave their lives in battle in the cause of freedom.
The Council’s Armed Forces Veteran Service offers FREE confidential support and guidance to veterans and their families living in Rhondda Cynon Taf. It provides advice and assistance on subjects such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Housing, Adult Social Care, Benefits, Finances and Employment.
For further information call the RCT Armed Forces Veteran Service, in strict confidence, on 07747 485 619 or email: [email protected]
