CAPTION: The Rt. Rev'd Mike Harrison has two children serving in the army
Bishop of Exeter to Lead Plymouth Hoe Remembrance Service
The new Bishop of Exeter, The Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison, will lead this year’s Remembrance Sunday Service on Plymouth Hoe.
The service, which remembers all those who lost their lives in both World Wars, and in all conflicts, will begin with a two-minute silence at the Royal Naval Memorial at 11am.
Bishop Mike, who was enthroned last week at Exeter Cathedral, has two children who are currently serving in the armed forces.
Members of the armed forces paying their respects on Plymouth Hoe (photo Neil Turner for Lambeth Palace)
He said “Remembrance means a lot to me. Both my grandfathers were in the First World War and it has always been a key part of the year for me, whether as a vicar or a chaplain, remembering the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to enable us to live in peace.
“It is all the more relevant today, with war in Europe and conflicts in the Middle East and in Africa.
“I have two members of my own family who are serving in the army at the present time. I’m also conscious that it is very live for the people of Devon, with so many people serving in the armed forces.
“This is a really significant moment in terms of the life of the nation, in terms of where we are at the present time, and also personally.”
Bishop Mike will be joined at Plymouth’s Remembrance Sunday Service by the Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev’d James Grier, as well as Plymouth’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Tuohy; Lady Mayoress, Freya Hitt and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, Rear Admiral Christopher Snow.
The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev’d James Grier, will also be taking part in the commemoration
The Lord Mayor said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important and poignant occasion for Plymouth. It brings us all together in paying tribute to those we have lost in conflict but also sharing hope for a more peaceful tomorrow. We look forward to welcoming Bishop Mike in commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of those who have laid down their lives for us and our country.”
During the commemoration the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon will lay a wreath, followed by the Lord Mayor (on behalf of the people of Plymouth) and then the Naval Base Commander and other representatives of the armed forces.
This year representatives of the visiting German ship FGS Braunschweig, will lay a wreath, followed by the Military Kids Club Heroes (a support group of service family children from across the city) and pupils from local schools.
Bishop Mike will conduct the main service, which will last for around 20 minutes. Members of the public and local organisations will then be invited to pay their respects and lay their personal wreaths on the north side of the memorial.
The processional party will then take their places at the Civilian Memorial in Lockyer Street, where Bishop Mike will say a prayer. Wreaths will be laid there by the Lord Mayor, Captain of the Naval Base Iain Ritchie (on behalf of the armed forces) and Fred Thomas MP (on behalf of all the local Members of Parliament), followed by representatives from various services and organisations.
In the afternoon, Bishop Mike will travel to Exeter to lead the Devon County Remembrance Service at Exeter Cathedral at 4pm.
