Sandwich residents stayed at home as the Mayor of the town led a hugely scaled back Remembrance Sunday service.

 

Only a handful of people attended the ceremony at the war memorial in Market Street while the hundreds who would usually turn out paid their respects from the familiar surroundings of their homes.

 

The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Doctor Ann Jaron, took part in a private ceremony for Remembrance Sunday at the war memorial in Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich.She was joined by the Deputy leader of Sandwell, Councillor Maria Crompton, the town lead for West Bromwich, Councillor Steve Melia, John Speller MP for Warley and Shaun Bailey MP for West Bromwich West.In honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a bugler played The Last Post followed by the exhortation.

 

A two minutes silence was observed before the bugler played Reveille. There were prayers and blessings before a single wreath was laid by Cllr Graeme on behalf of the town.


The video was broadcast live on Sandwell Council's Facebook page and residents can watch the recording at: www.2343ec78a04c6ea9d80806345d31fd78-gdprlock/sandwellcouncil

 

Cllr Dr Ann Jaron said: “We were unable to commemorate these tragic losses in ceremonies attended by so many for the past 100 years because we are fighting a new battle, the tiny yet deadly enemy of Covid-19.

 

“Although we are unable to remember the fallen in the same way as usual that does not mean our respect has waned. It must not."Earlier The Mayor of Sandwell paid tribute at each of the other Sandwell towns; Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton and Wednesbury.