Remembrance Sunday in Oxford

It’s something of a cliché among bloggers to begin by saying what an honour and a privilege it was to attend an event. But today – standing shoulder to shoulder with the civic and religious leaders of Oxford on the Remembrance Parade in St Giles – it truly was.

Hundreds of people lined the streets beneath beautiful autumn sunshine as we paused, together, to remember. Mark, resplendent in morning dress, was by my side, and Emily, one of my High Sheriff’s Cadets, carried the wreath at the front of the parade alongside the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets. It was a moment of quiet pride – and deep gratitude – as I laid a wreath on behalf of the Oxfordshire Shrievalty.

This year’s Remembrance carried particular poignancy, marking eighty years since the end of the Second World War. Veterans, serving personnel, families, cadets, and young people filled St Giles, their poppies bright against the sombre tone of the day. The street was closed to traffic as the procession passed, led by the armed forces, emergency services, and, for the first time, the fire service marching proudly in step.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Louise Upton, reminded us all of the importance of remembrance, not just as a ceremony but as an act of collective gratitude – and, crucially, of hope. She spoke of the comfort in seeing young cadets taking their place in this tradition, and of the significance of welcoming guests from our twin cities in France, the Netherlands, and Poland.

And as the bugle sounded the Last Post, followed by two minutes of perfect stillness, I found myself thinking of those whose courage secured the freedoms we enjoy today – and of the conflicts still raging in our world, where others continue to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

Across Oxfordshire, in towns and villages from Banbury to Bampton, Thame to Witney, similar scenes played out – communities gathering, poppies worn, silence observed.

Remembrance Sunday reminds us that peace is precious and fragile. Today, it was not just an honour and a privilege to attend, but a profound reminder of why we must never forget.

Lest we forget.