09 Nov 2026
St Albans fell silent on Sunday morning, as people across the city paid their respects to members of Britain’s armed forces who lost their lives in two World Wars and other conflicts.
Hundreds of residents joined civic and faith leaders alongside representatives from the Royal British Legion, air, sea and army cadets, the Guiding and Scout movements, the police and other uniformed services, for a Remembrance service at the war memorial in St Peter’s Street.
The service was led by the vicar of St Peter’s Church, the Revd Mark Dearnley, who said prayers for the fallen: “We pray for the service men and women who have died in the violence of war, each one remembered by and known to God; for those who love them in death as in life, offering the distress of our grief and the sadness of our loss.
“We pray for all current members of the armed forces who are in danger this day… for civilian women, children and men, whose lives are disfigured by war or terror… We pray for peace-makers and peace-keepers, who seek to keep this world secure and free…”
Veteran John Gauthier read from For the Fallen and Cdt V Quick Leonard read The Kohima Epitaph.
Also speaking at the service were Syeda M Rahim and Ann Scorer from St Albans Women’s Interfaith Group, Rabbi Adam Zagoria Moffet from St Albans Masorti Synagogue, President of The St Albans Islamic Centre Akhtar Zaman, and Rev Brendan Day from SS Alban and Stephen.
The laying of wreaths was led by Dr John Howie, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and St Albans Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher, followed by St Albans MP Daisy Cooper and representatives of Herts Fire and Rescue, police and ambulance services and other groups.
For the first time these included a representative of the St Albans branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.
Deputy chair Olha Diachenko said afterwards: “For the Ukrainian community, taking part in Remembrance Sunday is particularly meaningful. As Ukrainians, we understand the devastating cost of war and the importance of remembering those who have lost their lives.
“We came to honour the British men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in past conflicts, but we also carried in our hearts the memory of all those whose lives have been taken by war – our Ukrainian soldiers, innocent civilians, and especially the children who never had the chance to grow up. For us, remembrance is not only about the past – it is a painful reality we continue to live with every day.
“We also remember the British volunteers who have stood alongside Ukraine. Men such as Scott Sibley, Jordan Gatley and Simon Lingard gave their lives fighting for our freedom. Their courage and sacrifice mean a great deal to us, and we believe their names deserve to be remembered too.
“Standing alongside the British community in remembrance is especially moving at a time when Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom. It is also an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, solidarity and support we have received here in St Albans.
“For us, Remembrance Sunday is a moment to remember every life lost to war, to honour those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, and to reflect on the precious value of peace.”
- The Royal British Legion is being relaunched in St Albans, and used the occasion to encourage past members to get in touch. Email membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk or call 0800 307 7773.
