November 11, 2026 08:59am
On Sunday 8th November 2026, Ayuni, Alex, Charlie and Ms Williams proudly attended the Remembrance Parade and Service in Portsmouth.
We were honoured to stand on the Guildhall Steps alongside members of our community, representing different faiths and military backgrounds, to remember and pay tribute to those who have made sacrifices to protect the values and freedoms we enjoy today.
As part of the service, we were privileged to lay a beautiful wreath of poppies alongside other members of the Portsmouth community, as a symbol of our respect and gratitude.
Ayuni, Alex and Charlie gave their thoughts after the service, reflecting on what it means to be active citizens in their city:
Charlie: "Remembrance is important to me because of my connections to the military. I am a high-ranking young person in the air cadets and this has given me the opportunity to see the wonderful people in the military and beyond.
"It's also given me the opportunity to appreciate that we only enjoy our freedoms today due to the sacrifices of others. Today has made me reflect and give thanks to the fallen soldiers of World War One and World War Two thanks to my connection to the military."
Ayuni: "Remembrance is important to me because I want to honour the brave soldiers who fought for our freedom and pride. If not for their selflessness the world today would not be so multicultural and diverse.
"It is important that soldiers are remembered and honoured on every day that we enjoy."
Alex: "My Dad serves in the Royal Navy and in 2023 he was deployed for a whole year. He has been serving for eighteen years and my Grandad also served during the Falkland's War.
"Remembrance is incredibly important for my whole family, not just this Sunday but on every day of the year."
