Our Acts of Remembrance for 2025
Our Acts of Remembrance for 2025
This November, Guildford Borough Council is organising two acts of Remembrance in Guildford. They offer a moment to come together and honour the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and their families.
This year marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory in Japan Day (VJ Day) when the Second World War came to an end. This makes these acts of Remembrance even more poignant.
Residents and visitors can join these civic acts of Remembrance or attend many others taking place across Guildford Borough.
Remembrance Sunday on 9 November
The Borough Service of Remembrance will begin at 9.45am at Holy Trinity Church. Shortly before the service begins flowers will be laid under the VC stones in Tunsgate.
All are welcome to attend the service. It will also be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel.
Following the church service, a parade will form at the top of Guildford High Street and march to the Castle Grounds for the two-minute silence and wreath laying at the war memorials.
Armistice Day
On Tuesday 11 November a short ceremony will take place on the balcony of the Guildhall.
Everyone is welcome to gather from 10.50am on Guildford High Street and observe the two-minute silence at 11am.
Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of the Council said: “Remembrance Sunday brings our communities together to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces over generations.
“We also remember the families who have supported them, the emergency services, and all those affected by conflict and terrorism.”
Cllr Stephen Hives, Armed Forces Champion, added: “Our acts of Remembrance offer us a moment to pause, remember, and express our deepest gratitude. They help to make sure that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.
“We honour those who gave their lives in service and reflect on the courage of those still serving today.”
Poppy Appeal
Volunteer Poppy Appeal collectors will be in Guildford from Saturday 1 November to Sunday 9 November 2025. Please donate generously to support serving and ex-serving men and women, and their families.
Donations for the Poppy Appeal can also be made online at https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/donate
Editor’s Notes:
Armed Forces Covenant
Guildford Borough Council has a strong track record of supporting the borough’s armed forces community and working in partnership with them. Reflecting one of our key priorities of building a more inclusive borough, we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
The council received the Ministry of Defence Silver Employers Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award in 2021. The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire other organisations to do the same.
Image supplied: Remembrance Sunday in the Castle grounds 2024.
Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk