Isle of Wight Humanists will take part in the Island’s main Remembrance Sunday parade in Newport for the first time this weekend, with 2 members laying a wreath on behalf of the recently restarted group.
The group will join the civic procession from 10:00 on Sunday (8th November), walking from Drill Hall Road to St Thomas’ Square.
The Island’s main Act of Remembrance will then take place at the War Memorial beside Newport Minster, where representatives of Isle of Wight Humanists will lay a wreath.
The group’s involvement marks its first appearance at the Newport ceremony since restarting, as members seek to ensure that those of all beliefs and none are represented in Remembrance events.
Emma Wilkins, Coordinator of Isle of Wight Humanists, has said:
“Remembrance is a time to come together and remember the people whose lives are changed by war. We remember those who never came home, those who carry the effects of conflict with them throughout their lives, the families who lived with loss and worry, and the countless civilians caught up in war through no choice of their own.
“For us, remembrance is about remembering all those affected by conflict and recognising the shared humanity that connects us all.
“Remembrance belongs to everyone. Whatever our beliefs, we can come together to remember those who suffered, those who were lost, and those whose lives are shaped by war.
Article continues below this advertisement “As a newly restarted group, we are proud to be taking part in the Newport ceremony for the first time. It is a simple gesture, but a meaningful one, and an opportunity to stand alongside our wider Island community in remembrance, respect, and hope.”
Humanists believe Remembrance events should recognise everyone who has served and all those affected by conflict, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Following years of campaigning by Defence Humanists, part of Humanists UK representing non-religious members of the Armed Forces, humanists participated in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph for the first time in 2018.
