REMEMBRANCE Sunday in Colchester is normally one of the most important events, if not the most important, in the town’s civic calendar.

As a town with long-standing military connections, dating back to Roman times, it is obvious why.

Hundreds of residents normally come together for the traditional parade of troops and veterans along Colchester High Street, before gathering at Colchester War Memorial for an emotional ceremony paying tribute to the brave servicemen and women who lost their lives in action.

But this year’s commemorations will take a much more muted tone due to coronavirus.

A small socially distanced service will be led by the mayor of Colchester Robert Davidson at Colchester Garrison.

It is a huge blow to lose the traditional ceremony but Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus, commander of Colchester Garrison, said the military personnel in Colchester would be doing what they could to keep the spirit of Remembrance Sunday alive.

He said: “We in the military place great value in joining with the public to mark Remembrance.

“The military is drawn from society and we remember the fallen as sons and daughters, husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, as much as they were soldiers, sailors and airmen.

“This year, as we face the challenge of coronavirus, we are not able to stand side-by-side at the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday as we have done in years past.

“But in the shared silences we observe, we can pay our respects together, even if we are apart.”

Of course, Remembrance Sunday isn’t just about civic ceremonies.

It is also a huge part of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, which runs throughout November, raising millions of pounds every year to support veterans.

Planning the logistical nightmare of the appeal during normal times is no mean feat but in the wake of coronavirus has become almost impossible.

As Essex community fundraiser for the Poppy Appeal, Laura Gibbs co-ordinates volunteers and activities across the county.

Laura, who lives in Colchester, said this year had been extremely difficult for the Poppy Appeal.

“A lot of our volunteers are of a certain age and we have lost around a third of them, not because they didn’t want to do it, but because they are vulnerable,” she said.

“Last year in Essex we made about £1.5 million and in Colchester that was around £85,000. We are expecting a big drop.”

The Remembrance Sunday event in Colchester would, of course, have brought in thousands for the Poppy Appeal.

Laura said: “Everyone is gutted about losing the Colchester events in particular as they mean so much to people in the area.

“But we have still got to honour the service and sacrifice of everyone in the armed forces as best we can.

“We are encouraging people to stand on their doorstep, join the minute’s silence and watch the TV coverage but it is not the same.

“But also it is nice to see everyone pull together to support the appeal and people have been extremely generous even during this time when a lot of people are having difficult times.

“This year has been a challenge but it has been quite emotional to see the support we have received.”

Although events are decidedly different this year, it is still as vital as ever we remember those who sacrificed so much for us all.

We may have to do so at a distance, from the safety of our doorsteps, but we will remember them.

To find out how to take part in the commemorations, visit colchester.gov.uk/remembrance-sunday.