THE community will come together today at a special mass to mark the second anniversary of Sir David Amess' death.

Loved ones, Southend residents and politicians are gathering for the service in memory of the former Southend West MP, who was murdered on October 15, 2021.

To celebrate the politician, who was nicknamed ‘Mr Southend’, flags are being flown at half mast in Southend today.

Southend West MP Anna Firth is attending the anniversary mass at St Peter's Church, in Leigh, to pay tribute to Sir David.

 

Echo: MP - Sir David AmessMP - Sir David Amess (Image: Southend Council)

Echo: RIP - Sir David's final resting placeRIP - Sir David's final resting place (Image: Anna Firth MP)

Echo: Ceremony - A photo taken from today's special massCeremony - A photo taken from today's special mass (Image: Anna Firth MP)

Anna has commented on what a sad day it will be as we remember Sir David.

She said: “The 15th of October is a deeply difficult and tragic day for the people of Southend.

“I see Sir David’s spirit reflected every day in the actions of our community, which I am so proud to recognise in my regular Community Champions event. 

“From the Sir David Amess pier train to buses dedicated to his image, his memory is never far from our community, and I was delighted to see a special elephant as part of the Herd in the City Event this year.

Echo: Remembered - Sir David was a beloved politician Remembered - Sir David was a beloved politician (Image: Southend Council)

 

Echo: Colourful - Southend's Mayor Stephen Habermel (left) and MP Anna Firth (right) stood next to the Sir David elephant during the Herd in the City fundraiser earlier this yearColourful - Southend's Mayor Stephen Habermel (left) and MP Anna Firth (right) stood next to the Sir David elephant during the Herd in the City fundraiser earlier this year (Image: Anna Firth MP)

“So much of his legacy is apparent in the work we do – from developing his Children’s Parliament, growing the number of centenarians attending the Centenarian Tea Party to double the number of attendees this year and to promoting Emilie’s Law, he is always at the heart of my practice.

"His deeply generous spirit and belief that an MP should be closely accessible to the local community is something I try to embody every day. 

“Today is a day of reflection on tragic events. It is also a celebration of everything Sir David stood for – I know from what I see every day in the local community that his legacy, commitment to kindness and empathetic, dedicated public service will continue to live on.”

Sir David was Southend West’s MP for 24 years before he was murdered by Ali Harbi Ali during a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North.

Throughout his career Sir David campaigned for Southend’s city status, which was conferred three days after his death. 

Earlier this year, it was announced that a lifelike bronze statue has been created by sculptor Andrew Lilley as a way of remembering Sir David’s dedication to the city.