SECULAR service men and women were represented by Farnham Humanists chairman Dr Alan Montgomery and a serving Army Major from Defence Humanists, who asked not to be named for security reasons, at the Farnham Remembrance service on Sunday.

More than a quarter of serving members of the armed forces describe themselves as having ‘no religion’. But, while a wide spectrum of religious groups participate at the national Remembrance Day ceremony, it was only this year that Humanists UK were invited to the lay a wreath at the cenotaph in London.

“Farnham was many years ahead,” said Dr Montgomery. “Since 2007 the local Royal British Legion and the mayors of Farnham and Waverley have invited Farnham Humanists to join their ceremony. I am the fifth chair to have laid a wreath at the war memorial.”

The Major added: “With over 400 members and supporters, the Defence Humanists are a growing network of non-religious service personnel, MOD civil servants, veterans and their families who seek to represent the interests of all those who subscribe to humanist ideals. As the Army representative, it was an honour and a privilege to lay a wreath on the network’s behalf, formally acknowledging the respect and appreciation we have of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”