Humanists remember those lost to conflict in ceremonies across the UK

On Armistice Day, Humanists UK is reflecting on Remembrance commemorations at which humanists honoured those who have died in conflict – from the Cenotaph, where Chief Executive Andrew Copson represented the non-religious, to the national services in Cardiff and Belfast and civic ceremonies in towns and cities across the country.

On Saturday 7 November, Defence Humanists, in partnership with Humanists and Non-religious in Defence (HAND, the internal humanist network in the Ministry of Defence), held its annual inclusive Remembrance ceremony at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. 

Serving personnel, veterans, Ministry of Defence staff, their families, and local humanists came together to remember, joined by Humanists UK President Janet Ellis MBE and with music from the London Humanist Choir. Humanists UK is proud to support the ceremony, which gives non-religious people across the Defence community a meaningful way to take part in Remembrance.

On Remembrance Sunday, humanists also laid wreaths at civic ceremonies across the country. Isle of Wight Humanists and Nottingham Humanists took part for the first time, York Humanists laid a wreath in York, Oxford Humanists gave an address at the War Memorial on St Giles for the third year running, and Jennifer Bridge laid a wreath on behalf of Channel Islands Humanists. 

Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson represented the non-religious at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, and Wales Humanists and Northern Ireland Humanists took part in the national Remembrance services in Cardiff and Belfast.

Gaining greater recognition of the non-religious at Remembrance

Defence Humanists pushed for greater recognition of the non-religious at Remembrance through its ‘For All Who Serve’ campaign, which culminated in the historic decision to include humanists in the national Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in 2018. Growing numbers within the UK Armed Forces identify as having no religion – 41.5% of regular forces and 33.1% of reserves. Humanists UK continues to campaign for Remembrance ceremonies that are equally open to and meaningful for everyone, whatever their beliefs.

Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:

‘Remembrance is a time for unity as we honour the courage and humanity of all who have served. As more and more of those in our Armed Forces identify as non-religious, it’s right that these moments of reflection include everyone, whatever their beliefs. We’re grateful to Defence Humanists and HAND for creating a ceremony that does exactly that, and to everyone who came together to remember.’