It was a given that last year, under Covid restrictions, that the (normally excellently executed and well supported) marching band parade for Horsham’s Remembrance Sunday Parade was cancelled.

For reasons that are unclear due to differing statements from those who are the catalysts to this going ahead, the applications for the road closures that enable the parade to go ahead were not submitted and for a second year the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony will be just the static ceremony by the Carfax memorial.

You may ask why this is an issue? It’s a fair question. As a former serviceman and combat veteran I prefer to hold my remembrance quietly and with little show. However, I believe the parade is very important for those who gave their all, for the younger generations around us and for the town.

The parade creates questions from our children who wonder what its for. It reminds those who live a very busy life that the ban are on their way to a ceremony of Remembrance and its worth following. It’s what keeps Horsham traditional and shows respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we may enjoy this beautiful town.

My ask is that the road closures and supporting effort from the local services required, for the times which remain the same each year, are a given and do not require a formal application from the Royal British Legion to the Horsham District Council. The only formal communication required for the charity organization should be if they would not parade on that year. 

Please help support this if you agree with this ask and keep our Remembrance Ceremony special for us today, our young tomorrow and the heroes that gave their lives forever.