Thousands gather for Remembrance Sunday Services

Thousands gathered across the borough on Sunday for poignant Remembrance Day Services to honour the nation’s war heroes.

Representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force joined veterans and civic dignitaries for the parades and services in Rochdale town centre, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Milnrow and Wardle.

Barely a sound could be heard as the Last Post was played and residents gathered to watch the services observed a two-minute silence at 11am.

The Mayor, Councillor Carol Wardle, said:

“This year was particularly poignant as we commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. Our borough, along with so many others has suffered a great loss of life in conflict.  Today we remembered all those who made huge sacrifices, never to return from the frontline.  It was very moving to see such huge crowds of people turn out for the service, not just in Rochdale but right across our borough. Rochdale’s support for the UK armed forces and the armed forces community is stronger than ever.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces said:

“It was excellent to see so many people paying their respects.  It is so important we stop to remember the sacrifices made in the two wars and subsequent conflicts especially in this centenary year. The message of remembrance needs to be passed on to future generations.  I thought it was an incredible tribute to our servicemen and women, veterans and their families to see such high attendances at our Remembrance Services.  The sacrifice of those who earned our freedoms is not forgotten.”

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (Tuesday 11 November) the Mayor, Councillor Carol Wardle, will lead a two minute silence, with prayers given by Reverend Canon Shackleton, at the town’s war memorial opposite the Rochdale Town Hall.

The council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012, aimed at encouraging communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help integrate armed forces personnel back into civilian life.  Current or ex Armed Forces personnel can register for help or get more information by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/armedforces If they encounter difficulties when accessing services from the council or its partners email armedforces@rochdale.gov.uk or call the council on 01706 926989.

The Royal British Legion has a weekly base at Number One Riverside in Rochdale.  Every Thursday from 10am to 1pm each Thursday their Advice and Information Officers provide face to face advice and support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. The legion can also help them access other welfare services, financial support, property matters, education, retraining, bereavement counselling and membership enquiries.