The Richardson family has a long history of supporting Remembrance Day events, in honour of those who have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, and 2024 has been no exception.
On the 7th November Carl Richardson joined representatives from the Mercian Regiment at the 'Field of Remembrance' at Westminster Abbey, which was officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, who represented Her Majesty The Queen during the annual commemoration.
The Field of Remembrance is an annual event which has been held every year since 1928, and marks the start of the nation’s Remembrance commemorations.
It originated when the Poppy Factory brought a tray of poppies and a collecting tin to the grounds of St Margaret's Church, which sits in the grounds of Westminster Abbey.
Only a handful of poppies were planted around a single cross, but it began a tradition that has grown over the decades, and now a sea of scarlet poppies covers St Margaret’s churchyard in the Abbey grounds each November.
In his welcome to this year’s event, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said:
‘For the 96th time at the Field of Remembrance we meet again to remember those who gave their lives in the conflicts of our time, that we might enjoy freedom and peace.
At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, the First World War ended: that date, that time, have become a symbolic moment on which to pause in silent remembrance and gratitude.
With full hearts at this, our Field of Remembrance, let us pray for the peace of the whole world.’
The Mercian Regiment, and antecedent regiments, were represented by Brigadier Simon Banton, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Whitting (Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion), Lieutenant Colonel James Green, and WO2 (Retd) Greg Hedges, handler of Sgt Watchman VI, alongside Carl Richardson in his role as Honorary Colonel of the Regiment.