Nottingham Humanists will take part in the city’s annual Remembrance Sunday service for the first time this weekend, laying a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives in conflict.
The service will take place at the City War Memorial on Victoria Embankment at 10.45am on Sunday 8 November.
Members of Nottingham Humanists will attend the ceremony and lay a wreath representing the city’s non-religious community.
Humanists are people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives based on reason, compassion and human experience, rather than religious beliefs.
Barnaby Newton, Coordinator of Nottingham Humanists, said:
‘The human story is full of conflict, and there have been those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. They gave everything so that we can live today, and our today is their legacy. People of all walks of life and worldviews have served in this way, and those of humanist and non-religious backgrounds deserve to be remembered and honoured alongside them.
‘As humanists, we want to see humanity prosper and thrive. What we do next is up to us.’
The organisation says Remembrance events should recognise the contributions and sacrifices of people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
According to figures cited by the group, 41% of regular UK Armed Forces personnel and 32% of reservists say they have no religion.
Humanist representation at Remembrance ceremonies has increased in recent years following campaigning by Defence Humanists, a section of Humanists UK representing non-religious members of the Armed Forces.
In 2018, humanists participated in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London for the first time.
Humanist organisations now lay wreaths at Remembrance ceremonies across the country, with Nottingham joining those events this year.
