Sailors from HMS Dragon will visit Wrexham this weekend to help raise money for the Poppy Appeal at the Stok Cae Ras and take part in the city’s official Remembrance Day parade.
It will be the second time personnel from the state-of-the-art Type 45 Destroyer have visited Wrexham since the city was officially affiliated with the Royal Navy warship back in April.
Some of the crew will be at the Wrexham AFC vs Mansfield Town game on Saturday, November 9 to help collect for this year’s Poppy Appeal – the nationwide charity that provides vital support to veterans and their families.
Remembrance Sunday
Then on Sunday, November 10 the sailors will take part in the official Remembrance Sunday parade though the city, before attending the memorial service at the cenotaph at Bodhyfryd.
Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Wrexham prides itself on its strong links with the armed forces, and it will be a huge honour to welcome the crew to the city again.
“We hope as many people as possible will support the Poppy Appeal at the game, and turn out to support the parade and service on Remembrance Sunday.”
The HMS Dragon’s Commanding Officer, Commander Iain Giffin, who will be laying a wreath at the service on Sunday, said: “My sailors and I from HMS Dragon are privileged and delighted to have been asked to take part for the first time, in this year’s Remembrance Sunday parade in the city of Wrexham.
“Occasions like this allow us to show our support to Wrexham and truly bring us closer to our affiliated community and the people of the city.
“We look forward to joining you all in honouring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and remembering others who served and are serving the nation, at home and abroad.”
The Remembrance Day parade will leave Hightown Barracks at 10.30am on Sunday, November 10. The service will begin at the cenotaph at Bodhyfryd shortly before 11am.
Wrexham marks Remembrance weekend with Jubilee Garden poppy display and St Giles Church illumination
This Remembrance Weekend, a display of poppy sculptures made by the British Ironwork Centre will be featured in the Jubilee Garden next to the Wrexham Library.
Alongside the display, St Giles Church will also be illuminated on Saturday and Sunday (November 9 and 10).
The poppy display has been thoughtfully arranged to honour those who served, and the lighting of St Giles Church will offer a touching tribute to their memory.
Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Remembrance weekend is a time for us all to come together. The poppy display and church illumination remind us of the courage and sacrifices made by so many.”
The community is encouraged to visit the Jubilee Garden Poppy Display and St Giles Church over the weekend to reflect on this important occasion.
Wrexham Remembers – Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day 2024 – Wrexham Council News