Two-minute silence to open Stourbridge Military Vehicle Parade

Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Stourbridge on Saturday for the town’s Military Vehicle Parade, which will begin with a two-minute silence at 10.40 am.

The parade will then set off at 11 am, travelling along High Street and Market Street. Residents are encouraged to arrive early to find a good viewing spot and take part in the act of Remembrance.

St Thomas’s Church will lead the two-minute silence at the top of High Street, with the Last Post sounding and the Royal British Legion Standard Bearer in attendance.

This year’s event will be especially poignant as the town also pays tribute to Tony Hall, a proud military veteran, local businessman, owner of Pegasus and the parade’s principal sponsor, who tragically lost his life in a recent plane crash in Switzerland.

Poppy Appeal organiser and former Stourbridge MP, Suzanne Webb, said: “At the heart of this parade is something far greater than the vehicles themselves. It is about remembrance and gratitude.

"At 10.40 am, we will stand together in silence to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of those local who gave so much for our country, and to remember those who never came home.

“This year, that moment of reflection will be especially poignant as we also remember Tony Hall — a proud veteran, local businessman, a generous supporter of the parade and, above all, a much-loved friend to many.

“Tony believed deeply in the importance of remembrance. His generosity and unwavering support helped make this parade possible, and it is heartbreaking that he will not be here to see the community come together. "

Local cadets will once again play an important role, distributing Union Jack flags ahead of the parade and collecting donations for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal along the route.

Suzanne added: “Events like this simply do not happen without the generosity, dedication and goodwill of people who care deeply about their community.

"We owe Tony an enormous debt of gratitude, and I can think of no more fitting tribute than seeing the streets filled with people.

“When Stourbridge comes together, there are few places that can match the pride and sense of community we show, particularly when it comes to remembrance. That is the Stourbridge I know and love.”

Louise Bennett OBE, a prominent business leader and Deputy Lieutenant, is expected to join the two-minute silence alongside local business people and Sir Andy Street.