The British Union Conference (BUC) Peace Garden was the venue for this year's Remembrance service initiated by One Vision and pastoral staff of Stanborough Park church on Wednesday 11 November. Remembrance Day − also known as Armistice Day − falls on November 11 every year. It marks the day World War One ended, at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. A two-minute silence is held at 11 am to remember those who sadly lost their life in all wars.
The social distanced service held in the open air and with limited attendees began at 10:45 am with a welcome and opening remarks by One Vision Enoch Kanagaraj. The BUC was represented by President Pastor Ian Sweeney, Executive Secretary Pastor John Surridge and Treasurer Earl Ramharacksingh. Amongst the dignitaries in attendance were Justin Apthorp, Deputy Lieutenant, who laid a wreath on behalf of the monarchy. Former England and Watford footballer Luther Blissett who shared thoughtful words of behalf of the local community. Chairman of WIFA, Harjet Singh also laid a wreath and shared a few words. Other representatives from the clergy were also in attendance including Pastor Tim Roberts and Liz Burns from Veterans' Support Group.
Afterwards Enoch Kanagaraj shared One Vision's desire to work with other charities within the community to tackle homelessness and poverty and to see services like this to continue bring people together.
The two minutes silence held at 11 am was preceded with a recorded playing of the 'Last Post' and followed by prayers from Pastors John Surridge and Tim Roberts. The laying of wreaths, usually a solemn moment and pause for reflection, was carried out by the community representatives including a select number of school children from both the Stanborough Secondary and Primary Schools, who had artistically designed wreathes.
Pastor Ian Sweeney, when asked what a service like this meant to him, said: "…it's a reminder that we are to work tirelessly for peace in our neighbourhood, in our community, indeed peace across the world. Even though we know ultimately God will do it, let us strive to play our role where we can."
The Peace Garden which represents and honours those Adventist servicemen during WW1 who were pacificists and chose not to bear arms, also became a place to acknowledge the estimated 20 million who sadly lost their lives and the 700,000 who died on behalf of the British forces.
See video highlights here.
