Portadown parade and service providing opportunity for young people to 'play a meaningful role in honouring the fallen'
Young people are expected to be to the fore as Portadown remembers the fallen on Sunday morning (November 8)
Portadown Branch of the Royal British Legion has been encouraging schools to take part in the annual tribute.
Veterans’ organisations, cadets, civic dignitaries, clergy and members of the local community will join together for a Remembrance Parade and Commemoration Service.
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 an earlier statement, Portadown Royal British Legion stressed: “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.”
St Mark’s Church, which marks it 200th anniversary this year, will host the Remembrance Service conducted by the Rector, the Reverend William Orr.
The church tower features a striking cascade comprising over 10,000 poppies knitted by parishioners
"The tower itself serves as a War Memorial, making this display an especially poignant expression of the community’s gratitude and remembrance.”
After the service, Royal British Legion members, cadets and veterans organisations will form up in West Street before parading through the town centre, where the Deputy Lieutenant and Deputy Lord Mayor will take the salute
The parade will conclude at the Royal British Legion premises in Thomas Street. Refreshments will be provided for all those taking part in the event.