There will be no live Remembrance Sunday Services in Exeter because of Covid-19 restrictions, it has been announced. Instead a service will be streamed live online.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council supported by the 6th Battalion of the Rifles, made the hard decision not to conduct a live public service in the City for the safety of all those that would attend.
This will be the first time that the City Service, which usually takes place at Northernhay Gardens and the County Service, usually held on Cathedral Green, are coming together virtually to mark this poignant occasion.
The Service will be live streamed on the Facebook pages of Exeter Cathedral, with a link on Exeter City Council and Devon County Council social media and websites, from 10.45am on Sunday 8 November 2020. There will also be a commemoration film for virtual remembrance from home on all three pages.
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon said: “In these unprecedented times, it is important that we still remember in a dignified and appropriate manner, those who have given their lives for this country. At the same time, because of the need to look after public safety, this year will be a little different to previous years.
He added: “I will be laying a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen and we will, as always, remember the fallen in a two minute silence, but we will be doing this on our own and not in front of the public. We encourage you all to remember at home. We are also working with Exeter City Council and Devon County Council to provide an online act of remembrance which we hope you will want to see.”
Every year, The Royal British Legion calls on the nation to unite in commemorating Remembrance Sunday.
The Government has announced that the Remembrance Sunday event at the National Cenotaph will be adjusted this year to ensure the event is as safe as possible.
Despite the changes this year, we are encouraging people across the nations to ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in remote and socially distanced Remembrance activity, whether that be watching the service on television or pausing for the Two Minute Silence in their home or on their doorsteps.
