(Outside St Mary’s Church, Bideford)
Tuesday, 11 November | 10:50 – 11:20 am
On Armistice Day, we gather in quiet unity outside St Mary’s Church to honour those who served, suffered, and sacrificed for the cause of peace and freedom. This brief yet deeply moving service invites all members of the community to come together in remembrance and gratitude.
The Armistice Service includes short readings, prayers, and moments of reflection, culminating in the two-minute silence at 11 am — marking the exact moment when, in 1918, the guns of the First World War fell silent. As the clock strikes, the town stands still, united in reverence for those who laid down their lives in service to others.
The silence offers a sacred pause — a chance to reflect not only on the loss and courage of past generations, but also to pray for peace in our own time, and for all those still affected by conflict across the world today.
As the silence ends and the words of remembrance are spoken, we hold in our hearts both sorrow and hope — a shared commitment to peace, justice, and compassion.
Everyone is warmly invited to stand with us in gratitude and remembrance, whether you have attended for many years or are joining for the first time. Your presence helps keep the memory and message of peace alive.
