We Will Remember Them: Download your poppy poster to mark Remembrance Day

Remembrance Sunday in 2020 will be like no other, with the public barred from the Cenotaph wreath-laying for the first time in its 100-year history and community Royal British Legion parades cancelled due to Covid-19.

So our sister title the Mirror has launched a campaign to ensure our fallen forces heroes are remembered for their sacrifice by people respecting the traditional two minutes’ silence on the doorsteps of their homes.

Thousands of people across Merseyside and our nation – who would ordinarily gather in public places – are now expected to mark this poignant moment as part of the Mirror campaign.

The campaign has won support from all three major political leaders, the Royal British Legion and an array of celebrities.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson led the support for the doorstep two-minute silence.

He said: “The pandemic will not stop us from honouring the sacrifice and valour of our veterans, the bravest of the brave, the best of what it means to be British.

“November is the time of year we usually stand side by side to remember the millions of men and women from across Britain and the Commonwealth who fought for our freedoms in the First World War, from the muddy trenches of the Western Front to the munitions factories at home.

“Unfortunately, this year, it is with a heavy heart that I must ask the public not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph in order to keep veterans safe, and reduce the spread of the virus.

“That’s why I am backing the Mirror’s campaign – let’s stand together in solidarity on doorsteps across the country this Remembrance Sunday.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also got behind our campaign.

He said: “We can still honour our heroes.”

Only a limited number of armed forces veterans, members of the Royal Family, and political leaders will be able to attend the Cenotaph service.

“Remembrance Sunday is our chance as a nation to stand together to remember the millions of people from across the United Kingdom, and from across the world, who sacrificed so much to keep us safe.

“In normal times, we would be paying tribute to our armed forces at the Cenotaph or at events organised by the Royal British Legion.

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“This year we cannot do that – this year we cannot stand together.

“But like The Mirror has said, we can still pay our respects by standing on our doorsteps at 11 am on Remembrance Sunday to mark the two-minute silence. We can still remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and who we will never forget.”

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: “The Mirror’s campaign to encourage us all to stand on our doorsteps is a good way to pay our thanks to veterans, the members of our armed forces and their families for the sacrifices they have made.”

The campaign is backed by the Royal British Legion which traditionally organises remembrance services across Britain. Director General Charles Byrne said: “This year we are unable to stand side by side as we usually do in honour of those who have served on our behalf, but we can all still play a part in ensuring the unique contributions of our Armed Forces are not forgotten.

“We are joining the Daily Mirror’s call for people to come together on Remembrance Sunday in a new way and to stand in silence at the front door or window of their home in a fitting tribute to those who have given so much.”

According to Government guidance, England’s three-tier alert level system provides an exemption for Remembrance Sunday events, but social distancing will limit commemorations.

Falklands Hero Simon Weston also backed The Mirror’s call for a two-minute doorstep silence on Remembrance Sunday.

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Simon, 59, badly burned when his ship the Sir Galahad was bombed by Argentine jets in 1982, said it could “unite” the country.

Simon said: “It’s a wonderful idea when we can’t have parades and I can’t thank The Mirror enough. This could show that everyone is united…”

Veterans and forces’ sweetheart Katherine Jenkins, the family of the late Dame Vera Lynn, Champion Boxer Frank Bruno and Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas are also backing the campaign.

Mirror editor Alison Philips said: ‘We know how important Remembrance Sunday is for so many people across our country. It’s a way of never forgetting the sacrifices of those we went before.

“But we also know many services and parades will be cancelled this year and there will be other people worried about leaving their homes for busier public places.

“That’s why this is such a wonderful way people can pay tribute and remember our fallen heroes in a safe way.’