On Remembrance Sunday, Isle of Wight Humanists will take part in the Island’s main Remembrance parade and wreath-laying ceremony in Newport. Two members will lay a wreath on behalf of local humanists.
Joining the Newport procession
The group, which has recently restarted, will join the civic procession from 10am on Sunday 8th November 2026.
The procession walks from Drill Hall Road to St Thomas’ Square, where the Island’s main Act of Remembrance takes place at the War Memorial beside Newport Minster.
Wilkins: Remembrance belongs to everyone
Emma Wilkins, Coordinator of Isle of Wight Humanists, said,
“Remembrance is a time to come together and remember the people whose lives are changed by war. We remember those who never came home, those who carry the effects of conflict with them throughout their lives, the families who lived with loss and worry, and the countless civilians caught up in war through no choice of their own. For us, remembrance is about remembering all those affected by conflict and recognising the shared humanity that connects us all.
“Remembrance belongs to everyone. Whatever our beliefs, we can come together to remember those who suffered, those who were lost, and those whose lives are shaped by war. As a newly restarted group, we are proud to be taking part in the Newport ceremony for the first time. It is a simple gesture, but a meaningful one, and an opportunity to stand alongside our wider Island community in remembrance, respect, and hope.”
Non-religious people and the armed forces
Non-religious people have served and died alongside people of every faith throughout history, and today 41% of regular members of the UK Armed Forces and 32% of reserves say they have no religion.
Humanists believe Remembrance should reflect everyone who served and everyone affected by war, whatever their beliefs.
Humanists at the Cenotaph
After years of campaigning by Defence Humanists, the section of Humanists UK for non-religious members of the armed forces, humanists took part in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph for the first time in 2018.
Humanist groups now lay wreaths at ceremonies across the country.
News shared by Nathan on behalf of Isle of Wight Humanists. Ed
