Remembrance Day is a "thoughtful and poignant" reminder of the experiences which servicemen and women go through.
It is a poignant day as many residents of Watford take this as an opportunity to reflect and remember as well as give thanks to soldiers.
Norman McGuigan is a 1st Battalion Light Infantry Regiment British Army veteran, who served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Germany from 1979 to 1996 and is a “proud” Watford resident.
He said: “I am very proud of how Watford is honouring Remembrance Day as there is so much thought and respect which goes into the important day. However, each day is a Remembrance Day for me and my ex-colleagues as we never forget those we lost during active service.”
"It is a poignant day and the significance of the poppy is very important to me and other people who have served."
He is the founder of the charity Official Minds at War, which is a place veterans can go for 24/7 support, as there is a crisis phone line for servicemen suffering from mental health issues.
Norman added: “I am very proud to be a veteran, but I have seen first-hand the mental health issues which some soldiers can end up with due to combat-related PTSD.
“I set up the Official Minds at War charity to offer support to those who are struggling as we lose a large number of servicemen and women to suicide each year. Since the Armed Forces Covenant Law came in 2011, I wanted to make sure that other veterans and those in active service have support.”
Norman will attend the Watford Remembrance Day service on Sunday as part of the newly reformed Watford branch of the Royal British Legion, which has been reopened after discussions with veterans.
He normally attends the service in London but will be in Watford this year as he believes it is “very important” to attend the local service.
Councillor for the Meriden Amanda Grimston served in the army for three years when she was 17.
She added: “I served in Northern Ireland and experienced some very frightening times as we were at Stormont when it was bombed and were very aware of the bad reaction we got when in Northern Ireland.”
The Remembrance Service and parade in Watford is on Sunday, November 12, with the parade starting at 2.15pm outside St Mary's Church and ending at the Peace Memorial where the service will begin at 3pm.
Watford FC Remembrance Parade
Veterans will parade at Vicarage Road on Saturday when Watford FC pays its respects to the fallen before the Championship fixture against Rotherham United.
Hornets legend Luther Blissett has been working with the club to create a “memorable” event which will also feature Watford’s Clare Cordell, who appeared on The Voice.
“I am pretty excited,” said Watford’s club ambassador, “it has been a lot of work. Thanks to Roy Moore and the 1881, the club and a team of people we have put something memorable together for the day.
“Watford’s Clare Cordell will be singing before kick off. We also have an incredible bagpipes player who will lead a parade of veterans.”
Any veteran who is going to the game can go in uniform. To join the parade, they will need to contact Luther at info@lutherbliss8.com by 10am on Friday morning to see if there are any places available.
Watford FC are asking all asking all supporters to be in their seats by 2.45pm to allow the pre-match Remembrance to be carried out with due reverence.
At 10.45am on Saturday, people can join Luther at the war memorial in Vicarage Road Cemetery for an Act of Remembrance.
This will be the first chance to see the new Royal British Legion Watford branch standard on parade.
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