Greenford in west London marked Remembrance Sunday with a distinctive community tribute recognising the contribution and sacrifice of Indian servicemen, Sikh soldiers and millions of Commonwealth personnel who served alongside British and Allied forces during the First and Second World Wars.
This year, he laid one wreath on behalf of the Indian community in memory of all soldiers who lost their lives in conflict.
Jammu said the inspiration came two years ago when she attended the Unison Retired Members Conference in Llandudno, North Wales. What makes this tribute especially moving is that it has been created by Sikh women whose families understand the true meaning of service and sacrifice,” she said. She was impressed by the extensive poppy installations displayed across the town and wanted to bring a similar community-led tribute to Greenford. “As a lifelong resident of Greenford, I feel immensely proud to see our community come together in such a meaningful act of remembrance. A second wreath was dedicated specifically to Indian soldiers who served Britain during the two World Wars. Pande described it as the first such dedicated wreath-laying anywhere in the UK. Back in Greenford, Tracy Green of the Royal British Legion Greenford praised the volunteers and community groups whose collective efforts brought the Poppy Curtain to life. “Together, we have created something that not only honours the fallen but also celebrates diversity, unity and community spirit. We hope this display will inspire reflection and remembrance for many years to come. As the orange poppies stood alongside the traditional red, the message from Greenford’s community-led tribute was clear: remembrance must embrace every community whose people served and sacrificed.