Young people from across the UK will honour those who have served and sacrificed at London’s Cenotaph, wearing handmade poppies crafted from retired fire hose.
Around 30 Fire Cadets from across the United Kingdom ( including HWFRS) will travel to London this November to take part in the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph, representing the fire and rescue service at one of the nation’s most significant acts of remembrance.
Drawn from fire and rescue services across the UK, the cadets will join other organisations taking part in the national commemorations as they represent UK Fire Cadets at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
As a special symbol of remembrance, they will wear handmade poppies created from retired fire hose. The poppies have been made by Fire Cadets from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for the cadets taking part, creating a unique and meaningful connection between the fire and rescue service community and remembrance.
The National Service of Remembrance commemorates British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two world wars and later conflicts.
For many Fire Cadets, participation in the parade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a proud milestone in their cadet journey. The Cenotaph Parade will mark the culmination of a memorable residential weekend in London, bringing together cadets from across the UK to make new friendships, learn more about remembrance and connect with fellow cadets from different communities before proudly representing the fire and rescue service at one of the nation’s most significant acts of remembrance.
Anna Davidson, Assistant Chief Officer – Director of Prevention, said:
“It is a real honour for our Fire Cadets to represent Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service at the Cenotaph alongside cadets from across the UK. This is an opportunity to pay their respects to those who have served and sacrificed, and to reflect on what remembrance means for their generation and the communities they represent.
“As Assistant Chief Officer, I am proud to see our young people taking part in such a significant national occasion. The Fire Cadets programme is about helping young people build confidence, develop a sense of responsibility and make a positive contribution to their communities. I hope they take lasting memories from this experience, together with a strong sense of pride in representing our Service.”
Emily, 17, a Senior Fire Cadet, said:
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard that I had been chosen to represent HWFS as one of the Fire Cadets marching alongside other Fire Cadets from across the UK in the Remembrance Sunday Parade at the Cenotaph.
It is an incredible honour and a moment I will feel immensely proud of. To have this opportunity to march in remembrance of all those who have served, sacrificed and lost their lives in conflicts, as well as everyone affected by war, is something I will never forget.
I feel incredibly privileged to have been given this opportunity and will carry the experience with me with great pride. It is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.”
The Remembrance Sunday parade is one of several national events in which UK Fire Cadets participate each year. Alongside skills competitions, leadership opportunities and community projects, the programme helps young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication skills while making a positive contribution to their local communities.
The National Fire Chiefs Council’s UK Fire Cadets programme supports young people across the UK, helping them gain valuable life skills, build confidence and explore opportunities for personal and professional development.