A First for Inclusive Remembrance
On the 10th November, 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron joined with organisations such as the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Elloughton-cum-Brough Scout Group, and the Army Cadets of Brough Detachment for the first inclusive Ceremony of Remembrance.
The community comes together
The event, which was attended by Mr Blacksell DL, a deputy lieutenant to His Majesty the King’s personal representative for the East Riding of Yorkshire, saw the squadron lead a record-breaking parade of more than 100 young adults and volunteer staff as they marched through the town of Brough and took their place at the memorial, joined by spectators of all ages from the local community.
The Act of Remembrance, which is secular so as to be inclusive of all, is typically found incorporated within a religious Christian service in the UK. Eager to ensure everyone was able to take part in every aspect of the ceremony, the officer commanding 1324 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith was proud to lead colleagues through the first truly inclusive Ceremony of Remembrance, supported by youth representatives from each of the community organisations present.
Mr Chris Blacksell DL on parade
“[It was a] privilege to attend the Act of Remembrance [in] Brough and lay a wreath on behalf of East Riding Lieutenancy.
“Fantastic parade and a very poignant service.”
- Tweet by Mr Chris Blacksell DL, a deputy to His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for the East Riding of Yorkshire
Speaking of the importance of ensuring the inclusion of all in order to safeguard Remembrance Day for future generations, Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith said:
The secular Act of Remembrance
“With 68% of young people aged 18-24 declaring themselves non-religious as of 2021, it’s more important than ever that we ensure we honour the secular roots of the Act of Remembrance and learn to communicate the broader subject of Remembrance in a language that is relatable to all British citizens.
“I’m immensely proud to have been working with my colleagues in the other inclusive youth organisations to make sure we walk the walk on making our volunteers, young adults, and wider community feel truly welcome in everything we do.
“The Act of Remembrance belongs to us all, and so must be inclusive of everyone if we want this important occasion to resonate with future generations.”
The parade advances
Initially unsure of the format an inclusive Ceremony of Remembrance would take, parents and members of the public came forward to share how moved they were:
“It felt so personal and it was great to see so many people coming together. My son and I have differing beliefs and so being able to participate fully in the same event felt special.
“All the cadets did such a fantastic job with their ceremonial drill and music.”
- Ms Pearson, parent of an Air Cadet
“I was so glad to find the inclusive remembrance event organised in Brough. As a family we aren’t religious, and the focus on past conflicts without acknowledging those ongoing around the world has always felt challenging at remembrance events, alongside the religious element. There isn’t a space to respectfully honour and remember both those who have served, those who continue to serve, and the many civilians and innocent people who have been and remain affected by conflict.
“The ceremony navigated this beautifully with broad relevance, moving speeches, and the involvement of local young people who represented the community so well. I wish there were more events like this that allow people from all backgrounds to attend and feel comfortable in the difficult emotions that we all feel around war. Please pass on a huge well done to all the organisations and young people involved.”
- Dr Zoe Norris, a member of the public
Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith leads the inclusive ceremony
Cadet Corporal Grace Kenny reads the Roll of Honour
Cadet Harry Atkinson reads the Kohima Epitaph
Senior Patrol Leader Dexter Wilson reads “In Flanders Fields”
”We held a Scout forum and discussed our various Scout promises. After a secret vote, 2/3 voted in favour of switching to the non-religious version, so as an inclusive organisation we were happy to fully support the idea of an inclusive Remembrance event.”
- Mr Pete Thane, Deputy Group Lead Volunteer
“Thank you for such a moving event, and for touching upon the civilian cost of conflict.”
- A member of the public (name unknown)
Elsewhere in the county, Cadet Warrant Officer Emily Edmiston, recently appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for the East Riding of Yorkshire, accompanied His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant to a remembrance event in Beverley.
Cadet Warrant Officer Emily Edmiston with the Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Jim Dick OBE and her fellow Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets.
The squadron and fellow youth organisations wish to thank Mr Peter Melling of the Humber Business Park and Mr Carl Gillyon of East Riding of Yorkshire Council for their continued support of this annual event.
A special shout out goes to the representatives from Yorkshire Ambulance Service for leaping into action to help a member of our community. We understand that the gentleman made a full and swift recovery.