Personnel at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth have been diligently preparing to lead the commemorations at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. The Royal Marines Band Service, along with Royal Navy sailors, officers, Royal Marines, and members of Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service, have been practicing to ensure a seamless and respectful ceremony.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Glynn Moffet, the State Ceremonial Training Officer for the Royal Navy, mentioned that the preparations for this significant event begin as early as March within the state ceremonial training group. However, the intense training period ramps up three weeks before the National Act of Remembrance takes place.
For many of the personnel involved, participating in this event holds personal significance. Marine Benjamin Dixon from 40 Commando expressed that honoring his great-grandfather, who served in World War Two, is a meaningful way to pay tribute to his family’s history. Similarly, Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Adam Jamieson shared that his great uncles were in the RAF, with one being a prisoner of war and another being commemorated at the Runnymede Memorial after being shot down in the North Sea.
As the training period comes to a close, the participants are filled with a sense of duty and remembrance. Petty Officer naval nurse Soriana Mackie emphasized the importance of being present at such a significant event, not only as members of the Royal Navy but also as representatives of the Queen Alexandra Royal Navy Nursing Service.
The dedication and commitment of all those involved in the preparations for Remembrance Sunday highlight the deep respect and honor they hold for the fallen heroes. Their readiness to lead the nation in remembrance is a testament to their unwavering commitment to honoring those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
As the day approaches, the solemnity and importance of the occasion are not lost on those who will be at the forefront of the commemorations. The Royal Navy personnel, along with the Royal Marines and nursing service members, stand united in their mission to ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes are never forgotten. Their participation in this national act of remembrance is a powerful tribute to those who bravely served and paid the ultimate price for their country.