Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday is observed each year on the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day on 11 November to commemorate all those who have died for their country. In order to allow Church members to participate with their local communities in these services, Church was held from 2 to 5 pm on 10 November, rather than the usual 10:30 to 1:30. In Dundee a Parade, led by a bagpipe band, came down Reform Street and past the City Square.  There were lots of military personnel as well as others marching.

They marched over to the Steeple Church near the Overgate shopping center, and had wee ceremony with a prayer, bugle call and a short speech. At 11am we observed 2 minutes of silence, the moment when the armistice was signed on 11 November 1918, to show respect and remember the dead. Then there were lots of poppy wreaths presented, including one from the Church by Bishops Anderson and Keogh. 

        The poppy, which grew in the battlefields of France during World War I, has become a symbol of remembrance and today people wear paper poppies around Remembrance Sunday as a sign of respect. As part of the Church’s community outreach, the Wards participate in the annual poppy appeal. Earlier in the week, we spent 1.5 hours at one of the supermarkets “selling” paper poppies in support of veterans of all ages.  Lots of people donated, and it was a great experience.