Published on Friday, November 8, 2024

Staffordshire civic leaders will join thousands of residents across the county to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day at numerous events and services.

Staffordshire County Council chairman Phil Hewitt will attend the outdoor Remembrance Sunday service at the Stafford Borough War Memorial in Victoria Square, Stafford, with a second wreath at the County War Memorial. The event will begin and end at the Civic Center and will include a parade through the center of the town. He will then attend the Armistice Day Service on Monday, November 11 at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas.

Phil Hewitt said:

I am honored to represent Staffordshire at both the Remembrance Sunday service in Stafford and the Armistice Day service at the NMA on Monday. Both will be moving and will reflect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, providing invaluable service to their country and those who continue to serve.

Members of the military and their families are a valued part of our community. Through the Armed Services Covenant we continue to support those who have represented the services in Staffordshire.

The county council also received the prestigious Defense Employer Recognition (DERS) gold award for its work supporting former service personnel. The award marks the authority’s continued action to support the employment of its armed forces community, recognizing the valuable skills and experience they can bring to Staffordshire to enable them to enjoy fulfilling and rewarding careers.”

Staffordshire County Council leader Alan White said:

As a former serving soldier and long-time supporter of the services, I know how important this time of year is to remember those in our military who gave their lives for our freedom.

Staffordshire has always had a strong connection with the armed forces and today we have large bases in Stafford and Lichfield, along with many armed forces veterans, reservists, cadets and families across the county. “Supporting them and recognizing their enormous contributions is important and I urge people to take time over the weekend to pay tribute and show our gratitude.”

Staffordshire County Council is a proud holder of the Defense Employer Recognition Gold Award and re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023 with all eight district and borough councils, having originally signed it in 2012. Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly.

The Staffordshire Armed Forces Covenant Association brings together key partners and the armed forces to practically work, assist and support current and former service personnel and their families in the local area. Just over 30,000 Staffordshire residents are service veterans.