With Covid-19 cases rising and the country set for a month-long lockdown, Remembrance 2020 will be different from all previous years.
Somerset County Councillor Rod Williams, Chair of the Somerset Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, said: “The reason for us to remember does not change but how we remember must change this year.
“We remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth, not just in the two World Wars of the 20th Century but in all wars and conflicts.
“We can still mark Remembrance Sunday by reflecting and remembering privately.
“And wherever you are, please observe the Two Minutes Silence at 11am on Wednesday, November 11. Stop, be still, be silent and remember.”
Somerset’s usual civic programme of events will not be able to take place this year, but people are still being encouraged to honour the memory of the fallen in a safe manner.
The Somerset Wood near West Monkton has been created to commemorate the 11,281 Somerset men and women who gave their lives for their country during the First World War.
When completed, the wood will comprise some 14,000 broadleaved trees, mainly supplied through The Woodland Trust, over a 12-hectare site.
So far 2,000 trees have been planted and there are plans for a further 2,000 to be planted between November and February.
A Memorial Stone has been placed in the Somerset Wood to thank the Taunton-based 40 Commando Royal Marines for their help in creating the wood in 2018.
The Royal British Legion is encouraging people to print out a poppy and display it in their window to show their commitment to remember.
To learn more and donate to the Poppy Appeal visit: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance