BLACKBURN will pay tribute today to those who have fallen in a safe way after memorial services have been scaled down in the fight against Covid-19.

Lockdown measures and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic mean that this year’s Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday services will be a bit different in the borough.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, people around the country are encouraged to stand on their doorsteps to observe a two minute silence.

Blackburn Cathedral and St Peter’s Church in Darwen are holding virtual remembrance services which will be streamed on their Facebook pages.

Commemorative wreaths have been laid at Blackburn and Darwen’s Cenotaphs to mark Remembrance Sunday, as well as poppies being put on roads and a beautiful light display at the town hall.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Blackburn's wreath laying ceremony

Following social distancing restrictions, Council Leader Cllr Mohammed Khan, Chief Executive Denise Park and Mayor Iftakar Hussain each laid wreaths at Corporation Park and Bold Venture Park in memory of those who sacrificed their lives.

Cllr Iftakhar Hussain, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, said: "As a result of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, it is not surprising that we will be unable to hold our usual Remembrance Day commemorations this year.

"We are extremely disappointed to be unable to provide the opportunity for the citizens of Blackburn and Darwen to join us and show their respects for the brave men and women who have lost their lives in conflict, while serving their country.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Blackburn with Darwen council leaders and mayor of Blackburn at the wreath laying ceremony

"However, as with many other plans this year, we have had to adapt and to encourage other ways for people to get involved instead. For example, that could involve taking part in online commemorations, or simply reflecting on Remembrance Day with smaller activities at home.

"We are also encouraging people to get involved in our #BlackburnRemembers and #DarwenRemembers campaign, by sending us a picture of themselves proudly wearing their poppy, or making a poppy to wear, baking a poppy cake or creating a poppy display in your garden.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Blackburn's wreath laying ceremony

"The act of remembrance is vital to keeping alive the memories of those who have died in wars over the years. Although this year’s plans have to be different, they are by no means less meaningful or poignant.

"We will, safely, remember all those who sacrificed so much. Please pay your respects at home."

Read More: Town hall light display honours war heroes

A special Remembrance light projection has been lighting up Blackburn Town Hall since Wednesday and will run until this Wednesday (November 11). It will feature images of Blackburn soldiers, wartime newspaper archives, local war poetry, and a colourful poppies animation.

Cllr Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Remembrance Day is a hugely significant part of our civic calendar. It’s very sad that it can’t happen in the usual way this year.

"We know that Covid-19 has impacted a number of events and celebrations this year. We will continue to work with the local Armed Forces community and the Royal British Legion to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reflect and remember Armistice Day."

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We will pause to remember as we always do, but it is our turn to protect our Armed Forces and all our residents at this stage in the pandemic.

"Everyone will have the opportunity to pay their respects and it is right and fitting that this year we do that in a different way."

An array of 20 commemorative poppies have been laid on the roads across the borough to mark this year’s Remembrance Sunday.

Kays TM and Uniplay donated and installed 20 thermoplastic poppies throughout road routes around Blackburn and Darwen and signage has been installed at key sites including Blackburn and Darwen Town Hall’s, Corporation Park in Blackburn and Darwen’s Bold Venture Park.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Poppies have been scattered across the districts roads

The poppies can be seen at various sites including two under M65 flyover in Darwen, Boer War memorial, The Circus, Darwen and two outside the Cathedral.

As the nation prepares to remember those whose bravery preserved our freedom, bus operator The Blackburn Bus Company is displaying its own moving tribute to the fallen.

Bus company Transdev is adorning many of its routes across East Lancashire with commemorative poppies, prominently displayed on the front of the buses.

The Blackburn Bus Company’s CEO Alex Hornby said: “This year’s Remembrance has additional significance, marking 75 years since the end of World War Two. With the pandemic continuing, this is a year like no other for us all, so we believe it’s right to continue our support for the excellent work done by the Royal British Legion.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Transdev Poppy Appeal 2020. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard

“We hope that by prominently showing our support for the Poppy Appeal on our buses, many of our customers will join us in contributing to this excellent cause.

“All our teams in Lancashire and right across the North are fully behind this – we want to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, and to support those living with the impact of conflict today.”