Remembrance Day returns to Coventry

West Orchard Shopping Centre hosted its annual Remembrance Day ‘poppy-drop’ service last Thursday, in honour of all those who lost their lives in war. 

The event is making its return after being cancelled in November 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the huge turnout of people were happy to welcome it back. 

Poppies were tossed down from the ceiling, descending several stories, in a visual and commemorative display. Other features included a poetry reading, two minute’s silence and the renowned trumpet solo of ‘The Last Post’. 

Coventry’s Lord Mayor made an appearance and addressed the locals with a warm and unifying speech.

The annual tradition of Remembrance Day is a special and poignant occasion for many members of the community in Coventry.

Sukhi Singh, Royal British Legion Poppy Collector for 10 Years: "I think it's so important that they (The Legion) get the funds so that the old Veterans can have some quality in the latter years of their lives"

"They've paid the ultimate sacrifice so I think they deserve a little respect"

Carol Vale, Daughter of Roger "Bob" Coward: "My father was taken as a prisoner of war with a bullet in his eye"

"He was one of the first people to be trialled for Penicillin, and they now know that if they'd have given him a higher dosage, he would have survived"