News / Remembrance Day
Wreaths laid to remember those who gave their lives
A gathering took place in Castle Park on Thursday to remember the estimated 83,000 Sikhs who lost their lives in the two world wars.
Wreaths of poppies were laid at the dedicated Memorial Garden in honour of those who died and were seriously injured.
Bristol Sikh activist and project leader Dilawer Singh Potiwal said it is important that people today remember those who gave their lives.
“It’s just about everyone acknowledging what Sikhs have done in history,” he said.
“It’s very important that recognition of the Sikh history is included the local school education curriculum.”
A service was held in Castle Park to remember Sikhs who lost their lives – photo courtesy of Dilawer Potiwal
Dilawer Singh Potiwal said it is important that people today remember those who gave their lives – photo courtesy of Dilawer Potiwal
The service was one of a number taking place across the city.
The annual Remembrance Sunday parade will take place from College Green to the Cenotaph in the morning for a service at 11am, which will be signalled by a gun marking the start of a two-minute silence.
This will be followed by the laying of wreaths, a short service and the National Anthem.
Safety measures, including additional barriers around the parade route and College Green, will be in place to protect both participants and observers.
Lord mayor Steve Smith welcomed the return of the parade but said people could also mark the occasion at home rather than attend the public gathering.
Bristol’s director for public health Christina Gray urged people to be mindful that Covid rates remain high, as does the risk of transmission.
“We’re strongly encouraging everyone planning to attend this years’ service to take a lateral flow (rapid) test before they head into town and consider wearing a face covering if you’re unable to give people plenty of space,” said Gray.
She asked people not to attend if they are unwell.
A number of major city centre roads will be closed for the event, between 5am and 1pm on Sunday, with traffic disruption expected until at least 5pm.
Find out more details about the road closures and the order of service parade via www.bristol.gov.uk/council-and-mayor/lord-mayor-of-bristol/annual-civic-services.
Main photo courtesy of Dilawer Potiwal
Read more: Sikh war memorial and remembrance garden officially opened
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