Across the borough, churches, school and community groups gathered virtually and at socially distanced events to mark Armistice Day.
Whereas last year saw large parades of veterans, cadets, emergency services and other members of the Hackney community, on Wednesday a small crowd gathered in the gardens of Hackney Church to pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts since World War One.
The Anglican parish church rector, Revd Al Gordon, invited those present to “look forwards in the hope that in our darkest moments, hope never disappoints” and to recognise that “whatever our background and our story…together, united, we are far stronger than divided.”
After the ceremony, Speaker Cllr Kam Adams expressed his gratitude that the borough had found a way to mark the occasion, acknowledging that “there are many local families who have been affected by war”.
Other local officials paid tribute at Stoke Newington War Memorial Hall, while Hackney New School students raised money for the Poppy Appeal by selling poppies outside the school gates.
At Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington, an online commemoration included music and poetry from local artists. 377 service personnel from both World Wars are buried in the cemetery, the majority of them local and under 25 years old when they died.
At 11 am, a two-minute silence was observed. Police officers gathered in front of Stoke Newington Police Station, and firefighters paid their respects at Shoreditch Fire Station. Although restrictions prevented them from gathering at official services, residents were encouraged to mark the occasion at home, with a number of churches hosting virtual services.
