Harrogate residents urged to pay respects from home this Remembrance Sunday

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That’s why this newspaper, along with its sister titles across the country, is inviting all our readers to join us in a two-minute doorstep silence this Sunday, to ensure we still remember in 2020 even if we cannot join together in Acts of Remembrance.

This week we have published a special Poppy Poster, backed by the Royal British Legion, which we encourage people to display in their windows, or to hold, as they stand on their doorsteps to observe a two-minute silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.

And we urge everyone this weekend to show their support for Remembrance Sunday by buying a poppy if they are able, or by making a donation to the Royal British Legion.

This year more than ever, the Poppy Appeal needs our help as the national lockdown and more people working from home limits the opportunities for many people to buy a poppy.

Leaders across the region are calling for the public to pay their respects from home this year, displaying poppies in their windows and coming together in spirit even though they cannot be together in person.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson DL is encouraging residents to take part in online services this year.

He said: “Remembrance Sunday and acts of remembrance remain important in the life of the nation even in a time of lockdown.

“The cathedral is very keen to help people across the region to mark 11 o’clock on Remembrance Sunday. A Service of Remembrance is being recorded in advance and will be streamed from the cathedral starting at 10.30am. This can be accessed through the front page of our website.

“I am delighted that I will be joined by civic and military leaders, as we lay wreaths at the city’s war memorial at the High Altar in the cathedral’s quire.”

HM Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner, says the significance of Remembrance Day should not be thwarted by the lockdown and residents should still show their support from home.

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She said: “Remembrance Day is the day when we remember the terrible losses inflicted over two World Wars, all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, to those fallen heroes who never came home to their families and friends.

“Our county of North Yorkshire has a long and proud tradition in the way it has always made a huge contribution to the Armed Forces. Our admiration and respect for them runs very deep in the veins of the life in this county.

“75 years on, we should never forget their heroism, and despite being unable to honour and mark Armistice Day by gathering in silent respect, across our cities, towns and villages, we can still honour our heroes in our own homes or gardens - a different way but with no less reverence and reflection.”

The Director of Fundraising for the Royal British Legion, Claire Rowcliffe, added: “In a year where our homes and streets have developed new meaning for us all, and with many people not able to donate in their usual way, we are bringing the Poppy Appeal 2020 right to the hearts of individuals, families and communities across the UK with a variety of ways for people to get involved, whatever their circumstances.

“Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly makes running the Appeal more difficult, the additional hardships it has brought about means our work is now more vital than ever. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods and way of life, leaving some in the Armed Forces community in dire need of urgent help and support.

"We are seeing people struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones, facing homelessness and unemployment and battling mental health issues

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“Whilst you may have to do something different to support the Appeal this year, every poppy counts so thank you to the Harrogate Advertiser for your fantastic support.”

Visit britishlegion.org.uk to get involved.