The signs that depict a poppy with the message ‘Lest We Forget’ have been marked at various sites across the borough – including close to cenotaphs in St Helens and Earlestown town centres; St Helens Cemetery – and a number of war memorials.
Contractors L&R have been carrying out line marking refreshing work in the borough on behalf of St Helens Borough Council and have included the poppies at no extra cost.
Commenting on the works, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Labour Councillor Andy Bowden, said: “Each year, the borough does its armed forces community proud with a number of well-attended Remembrance Sunday events which sadly can’t take place this year.
So I’m grateful for L&R for making this to happen. And the poppies will act as another reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Local war veteran Corporal Andy Reid MBE added: “For the past 11 years I have been coming down to the cenotaph to pay my respects to my grandfather and friends who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately this year we can’t do that and I would encourage people to stay at home, as we’re being guided, and stand outside your front door at 10:55am to reflect and think – and then at 11:00am have your own personal silence.
I think this is a great gesture by the council and its contractors to put these poppies down on the floor. There’s poppies everywhere – I’ve been driving round lately and noticed poppies on lampposts which is absolutely fantastic. Stay at home, stay safe and pay your respects.”
The signs are just one of several ways St Helens Borough will show its respects to the armed forces this Remembrance Sunday despite no official public events taking place due to coronavirus.
St Helens Borough Council has been working with local veteran groups on alternative plans, including a special video of a virtual ceremony featuring readings, music and laying of wreaths that will be posted on the council’s website and social media on Sunday morning.
Find out more about the plans for Remembrance this year at https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/remembrance
Meanwhile, veteran, Chris Whittle, will lay ten pairs of boots at St Helens cenotaph to represent the veterans and serving officers of the borough. The boots will be laid at sunrise and removed at sunset.
Residents are being encouraged to mark our military veterans on their doorsteps this Remembrance Sunday.
Everyone is urged to stand on their doorstep at 11am to observe the national two-minute silence for those who have served our country.
If you do still want to place your memorial at your local Cenotaph or war memorial, please do this over the course of the weekend rather than on Sunday morning to reduce the risk of large numbers turning out to pay their own personal tribute at the same time.
A3 or A4 posters can be printed off and displayed in windows and members of St Helens Borough’s Armed Forces Community are invited to post a photo in formal parade dress to create a virtual Remembrance.
