Two Remembrance Day events held at Windrush Square commemorating war dead

Two events remembering the war dead were held at Windrush Square on Sunday.

A march past organised by Lambeth council and the West Indian Association of Service Personnel (WASP) was followed by a Remembrance Day commemoration organised by the Nubian Jak Community Trust.

The WASP event at the square commemorated and educated the public of the contribution made to world peace by West Indians and the Commonwealth.

Wreaths were laid by former mayor Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Councillor Sonia Winifred, Arthur Torrington and Dr Jak Beula, among others.

Cllr Sonia Winifred, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture, said: “Remembrance Sunday has always a hugely important event in Lambeth, as it gives us the opportunity to pay our respects to the men and women from all backgrounds and all parts of the world who gave their lives so we could be free.

“I’m glad that, after Covid disrupted our acts of remembrance last year, this year  people from all over Lambeth will have the chance to come out and pay a fitting tribute to those who have died in conflict.

“Our veterans, service personnel and their families deserve our thanks and our support and we’ve renewed our Military Covenant to guarantee that they are treated with respect and fairness.”

In the afternoon, the Nubian Jak Community Trust, which created the square’s African Caribbean War Memorial, held their fifth Remembrance service.

Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, both gave speeches at the service, along with Lambeth’s deputy mayor, Cllr Pauline George.

Lt Colonel Anthony J Mims, Cllr Marcia Cameron and Dr Margaret Busby also spoke, while Professor Doirean Wilson presented three African Caribbean Medals.