Church poppy cascade to provide added poignancy as Portadown prepares to remember the fallen
Portadown Branch of the Royal British Legion will take part in the annual Remembrance Parade and Commemoration Service on Sunday, November 8.
Veterans’ organisations, cadets, civic dignitaries, clergy and members of the local community will join together to honour those who have served and sacrificed their lives in the service of their country.
The parade will form up in Thomas Street at 10.30am, with participants marching to the War Memorial led by St Mark’s Band.
At 10.50am, a short service will be conducted at the War Memorial by the Reverend Darrin Thompson, joined by clergy representing the main churches in the area. At 11.00am, the Act of Remembrance will be led by Major Philip Morrison MBE BEM, president of the Portadown Branch of the Royal British Legion.
This will be followed by the laying of poppy wreaths, led by His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant for County Armagh, Mrs Jill Armstrong, and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Lavelle McIlwrath.
In a statement, Portadown Royal British Legion added: “Local schools are especially invited to participate in this important act of remembrance. The Portadown Branch would warmly welcome schools from across the area to nominate a couple of pupils to take part in the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, providing an opportunity for young people to play a meaningful role in honouring the fallen and preserving the tradition of remembrance for future generations.”
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, participants will move to nearby St Mark’s Church for a Remembrance Service conducted by the Rector, the Reverend William Orr.
"This year is particularly significant for St Mark’s Church, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary. In a remarkable tribute to remembrance, parishioners have knitted more than 10,000 poppies, which have been mounted in a striking cascade hanging from the church tower.
"The tower itself serves as a War Memorial, making this display an especially poignant expression of the community’s gratitude and remembrance.”
Following the church service, Royal British Legion members, cadets and veterans organisations will form up in West Street before parading through the town centre. The Deputy Lieutenant and Deputy Lord Mayor will take the salute during the march past.
The parade will conclude at the Royal British Legion premises in Thomas Street, where the parade will be dismissed. Refreshments will be provided for all those taking part in the event.
The statement concluded: “The Portadown Branch of the Royal British Legion encourages the public to attend, observe the parade and join in the commemorations.
"Remembrance Sunday provides an important opportunity for the whole community to come together to honour the service and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces and all those who have given their lives in the cause of peace and freedom.
"The Portadown Branch particularly encourages local schools to come forward and enable their pupils to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony, ensuring that the enduring importance of remembrance is passed on to the next generation. For further information contact the RBL on 02838332441."