15/03/2019
Parade to honour the 1,150 local men and one woman who died in WWI
A day of celebration will be held in Sittingbourne to mark the signing of the peace treaty that formally ended the First World War.
Volunteers are needed to take part in the event which will see a parade go through the town on Saturday 29 June.
Although the fighting stopped on the 11 November 1918, the formal treaty was not signed until June 1919. And one hundred years ago, the people of Sittingbourne, Milton and surrounding villages, paraded through the town to mark peace.
The Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne is organising a parade for 2019 which will honour the 1,150 local men and one woman who died during the conflict.
People are being invited to take part and carry one of the banners bearing the names of those who died during WWI.
Archdeacon Stephen Taylor said: “This walk of reflection will allow us to honour those local men and women who died during the First World War.
“For hundreds of years, the churches of Sittingbourne have been a constant presence, both in times of peace and conflict, as they have sought to witness to God’s love for each and every person – and it’s an honour for us to be involved in such a crucial moment of remembrance.
"This parade has been made possible thanks to the many years of research undertaken by the Historical Research Group, which has worked across all the parishes to try and ensure that no-one is forgotten.”
Volunteers are also invited to dress in period costume to reflect the clothes people would have worn 100 years ago. If you want to get involved please click here to register and find out more, or you can email richard@hrgs.co.uk.