By Chris Cornford
The Island’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Susie Sheldon, led the laying of commemorative crosses at this year’s rescheduled Field of Remembrance service, conducted at Carisbrooke Castle under Covid-19 constraints, and officiated by the Island’s Archdeacon the Venerable Peter Leonard.
Mrs Sheldon said: “We are grateful to English Heritage who made the grounds of the castle available for this commemorative occasion, and helped pay tribute to the service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars, and other conflicts over the years.” “We must always ensure that the memories of all those from the Island that served their country at home, and overseas, are honoured, and we recognise that the recent Covid-19 regulations restrict this and other services across the Island at this time.”
The service recalled all those suffering in conflicts across the world today, as well as recognising the hardship caused by the global pandemic.
A special film has been produced of the service including footage of memorials across the Island, from Arreton to Yarmouth, to help people honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice whilst we are restricted from observing the Act of Remembrance in the time-honoured way.
Mrs Sheldon concluded: “I know that residents across the Island will also want to pay their personal tributes, either at home or privately at local memorials, or wearing a poppy in memory of the fallen. We should never forget their sacrifices and we will remember them.”
The Remembrance film will be available from 11am on Sunday, November 8 (Remembrance Day) on isleofwightlieutenancy.org.uk.
Isle of Wight Observer