The city of Oxford came together to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day this week, with a service at the Oxford War Memorial on St Giles’ and a ceremony outside Oxford’s Town Hall.
Speaking ahead of the city’s commemorations, Oxford’s Lord Mayor Louise Upton, said: “As we stand together in silence, we honour the courage and selflessness of those who choose to serve, to protect the freedoms we hold dear. I encourage everyone to take a moment, wherever they are, to remember those who have died in the past, to thank those who serve in our armed forces today, and to hope for a peaceful future.”
On Remembrance Sunday, a procession through the city centre concluded with a service led by local religious and civic leaders, as well as a two-minute silence. The Salvation Army Band, Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps, and the RAF Reserve Squadron took part in the procession. Local community groups and leaders also laid wreaths during the ceremony, including the University’s Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey.
In the week leading up to Armistice Day, which fell on Tuesday 11th November, the Royal British Legion Flag was flown outside Oxford Town Hall as a sign of remembrance. On the day itself, a short ceremony took place outside the Town Hall, led by the Lord Mayor. This was followed by the traditional two-minute silence at 11am – the exact time the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War in 1918.
There was no official Oxford University service commemorating Armistice Day, however a University spokesperson told Cherwell that individual colleges tend to hold their own memorials, and that the University Church of St Mary held a service to mark the occasion.
Armistice Day marks the anniversary of the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany in 1918, bringing an end to the First World War. It is a day to remember all those who lost their lives in that conflict and in the wars that have followed since.
Remembrance Sunday, held on the second Sunday of November, is the United Kingdom’s national day of remembrance. It extends the commemoration to all servicemen and women who have fought, died, or served in conflicts since 1914. Ceremonies across the country, including in Oxford, feature wreath-laying, prayers, and the observance of a two-minute silence to reflect on the cost of war and the value of peace.
