This weekend, humanists will take part in Remembrance commemorations across the country, laying wreaths and representing the non-religious alongside people of all beliefs. Today, Defence Humanists will hold its annual inclusive Remembrance ceremony in London. Tomorrow, on Remembrance Sunday, Humanists UK Local Groups will lay wreaths at civic ceremonies on the Isle of Wight and in Nottingham, York and Oxford, and Channel Islands Humanists will lay a wreath in the Channel Islands. For two of the groups, it will be the first time they have taken part. Humanists UK is proud to see its groups standing with their communities in a shared moment of remembrance.
Defence Humanists in London
Defence Humanists, in partnership with Humanists and Non-religious in Defence (HAND, the internal humanist network in the Ministry of Defence), will gather this morning at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London to remember those who have died in conflict. The ceremony brings together serving personnel, veterans, Ministry of Defence staff, and their families, and local humanists.
Defence Humanists pushed for greater recognition of the non-religious at Remembrance through its ‘For All Who Serve’ campaign, which culminated in the historic decision to include humanists in the national Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in 2018. The presence has never been more significant. Growing numbers within the UK Armed Forces identify as having no religion – 41.5% of regular forces and 33.1% of reserves – and it is right that this is reflected in Remembrance ceremonies across the UK.
Local Humanist Groups across the country pay their respects
On the Isle of Wight, the newly restarted Isle of Wight Humanists will take part in the island’s main Remembrance Sunday parade and wreath-laying ceremony for the first time. Members will join the civic procession in Newport from Drill Hall Road to St Thomas’ Square, where the main Act of Remembrance takes place at the War Memorial beside Newport Minster. Two members will lay a wreath on behalf of the group.
In Nottingham, Nottingham Humanists will attend the Annual Service of Remembrance at the City War Memorial on Victoria Embankment for the first time, laying a wreath on behalf of the group at the ceremony.
In York, York Humanists will lay a wreath at the city’s Remembrance Sunday service.
In Oxford, Oxford Humanists will deliver an address at the War Memorial on St Giles for the third year running. Humanists have attended the service for many years, a presence first established by the area’s earlier humanist group.
In the Channel Islands, Jennifer Bridge will lay a wreath on behalf of Channel Islands Humanists.
Karen Hamilton, Head of Groups and Communities at Humanists UK, said:
‘Humanists UK Local Groups build meaningful connections and welcoming spaces in their communities. We are very honoured to be included in local Remembrance services, to play our part in reaching everybody affected by conflict and loss, regardless of faith background.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at [email protected] or phone 020 3675 0959 (media only).
Read more about our work on national ceremonies.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.