Oxford City Remembrance Sunday | supporting Oxford Humanists

Remembrance is a civic occasion, not a religious one, and humanists have always played a part in it. In 2018, after many years of campaigning, a humanist representative took part in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph for the first time.

As part of this Oxford service, these words will be spoken by Diana Naumann representing Oxford Humanists:

"On Remembrance Day, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of sadness at the wasteful deaths of so many. Humanists believe that this is the only life we have, so we remember all those who have died as the result of conflict. Those who were not religious as well as those with a faith. We remember each as an irreplaceable individual, reflecting on the impact their deaths will have had on those who knew and loved them. For those left bereaved by war, no medals or dispatches can ever replace the void their loved one leaves. The empty places at the table around the world. We remember them."

(written by Deborah Hooper of Humanists UK)

General Information about the event organised by Oxford City, from The Oxford Magazine:

"Remembrance Sunday takes place on the second Sunday in November and honours those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and protect our freedom. Military units, organisations and community groups will gather for 10.00am at the junction of Beaumont Street and St Giles’. They will then march up St Giles’ from 10.30am and be followed by the civic procession that will depart from St John’s College at 10.40am. The service will start at 10.45am, with a two-minute silence at 11.00am."

Please note we are not part of the civic parade. We will meet outside St John’s College from 10:00am and then walk along the pavement (behind the barriers) towards the War Memorial at the top of St Giles for 10:45am and the start of the service. If you have any questions, please email oxford@humanistbranches.uk