The National Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Wales, jointly hosted by Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government in collaboration with The Royal British Legion, is scheduled to take place in Cardiff on Sunday, 10th November 2024.
Detachments from the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, Cadet Forces will march past City Hall and along King Edward VII Avenue to the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park, Cardiff where they will arrive by 10:40am and form up around the memorial.
Those detachments will be joined by columns of ex-Servicemen and women, organised by the Royal British Legion and columns of civilians representing organisations connected with current and past conflicts.
A selection of music will be played by the Canton Salvation Army Band from 10:30am until shortly before 11am, when the service will begin with bidding and words of scripture given by Cardiff Council Honorary Chaplain, Reverend Canon Stewart Lisk. The Cardiff Military Wives Choir Caerdydd and the National St John Ambulance Cymru Choir will lead the singing during the service.
At 10:59am a bugler from The Royal Welsh Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh will sound the ‘Last Post’ followed at 11am by a gun of the 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, Newport who will be firing to mark the start of the two minutes’ silence which will be observed. Its conclusion will again be marked by the firing of the gun and the playing of ‘Reveille’ by the Bugler.
The Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, and The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, will join other participants in laying wreaths at the Welsh National War Memorial.
The Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “It is essential that we come together to honour and remember the sacrifices made by countless men and women in times of conflict. The National Service of Remembrance offers us a moment to reflect on the bravery and dedication of those who fought and died for our freedom.
“As we gather at the Welsh National War Memorial in Cardiff, we pay tribute to their memory and ensure that future generations understand the significance of their sacrifice. This annual event is not only a time to remember the past but also to support those currently serving and their families.”
Eluned Morgan, the First Minister, said: “The service of remembrance remains as important as ever, as we join together to honour the Welsh service men and women who sacrificed their lives to secure the freedom we enjoy today.
“It is also an honour to stand alongside our Welsh service personnel who play their part in active service and peace-keeping duties around the world.
“To those who lost their lives in conflict: We will forever remember you.”
The Band of the Royal Welsh and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh will play the National Anthems of Wales and of Great Britain at the conclusion of the ceremony. Members of the public may wish to lay wreaths at the National Memorial after the service.
At the conclusion of the service participants and guests will gather in front of City Hall to witness the March Past and Salute taken by HM Lord-Lieutenant.
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones, will lay a wreath during the National Service of Remembrance. In late October, the Deputy Lord Mayor led the city’s tributes to those in the Armed Forces who lost their lives in two world wars and other conflicts, at the opening of the Field of Remembrance in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.
Reflecting on the opening, Cllr Lloyd Jones said: “It is important to remember those who lost their lives during service in all conflicts; from the beginning of the First World War right up to the current events in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
“It is a time to reflect and pay tribute to all those who serve and have served, for risking their lives to keep others safe, and also to remember their families.
“The Field of Remembrance is a touching tribute to these members of the armed forces and a public reminder that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
The Field of Remembrance has become an annual tradition in the city. Opening times are 10.30am to 5.30pm and entry is free. The Field of Remembrance will close on Tuesday, 12th November.
