Royal Navy top brass back Portsmouth campaign to mark Remembrance 2020
THE head of Portsmouth Naval Base has become the latest to throw his weight behind a campaign honouring Britain’s war heroes this year.
Commodore JJ Bailey has teamed up with The News as part of the ‘Stand Out For Our Heroes’ appeal calling on families to stand on their doorsteps, balconies or gardens to mark Remembrance.
The effort comes as major parades and commemorations were axed amid fears they could spread coronavirus and kill some of the nation’s elderly veterans.
Cdre Bailey has now urged as many families across the Portsmouth area to show their appreciation for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend Britain.
Speaking to The News, the naval base commander said: ‘We were all moved by the support shown for the nation’s carers on doorsteps during the depth of the Covid-19 lockdown, so I’m delighted that The News is urging the Portsmouth area to similarly honour those who served before us – particularly those including the sailors and Royal Marines who gave their lives having sailed from this great city.’
Caroline Dinenage, Gosport MP, has also backed the campaign and urged people from her constituency to get involved in a tribute to the navy, and all those who have served.
‘Gosport’s has a long, proud naval heritage and so many of our residents are service personnel, veterans or cadets,’ the culture minister said.
‘Remembrance is always honoured with the greatest respect here. This year will be no different - even though we can’t do it in quite the same way. That’s why we are proud to support The News’s campaign.’
Remembrance Sunday is on November 8 this year, followed by Armistice Day on Wednesday, November 11.
But plans to commemorate the dates have scaled back, with many services now being streamed virtually instead.
The Guildhall Square commemoration in Portsmouth, usually attracting 8,000 people, will be replaced by a smaller invite-only event in Portsmouth Cathedral.
Similar events will be taking place virtually at churches in towns and villages across The News area.
People are urged to mark a two-minute silence from their homes as part of the campaign.