Lest we forget

Remembrance Day services to be held across the borough

The borough of Rochdale is preparing to remember those who have died in the service of their country at a number of Remembrance events next month.

Commemorations to salute the nation’s war heroes will begin on Remembrance Sunday (10 November) with six parades across the borough.

Representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force will join veterans and civic dignitaries for the parades which will take place in Rochdale town centre, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Milnrow and Wardle.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (Monday 11 November) the Mayor, Councillor Peter Rush, will lead a two minute silence, with prayers given by Reverend Canon Shackleton, at the town’s war memorial opposite the town hall.

The start and finish of the silence will be marked by the firing of a military gun.  The 103 Field Gun is being supplied by the Lancashire Artillery

The Mayor said:  “I hope as many people as possible will join us for these Remembrance events. They provide a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that our armed forces have made, and continue to make for us, in order to preserve our freedom.”

From the last week of October until 11 November 2013, the Royal British Legion will hold its annual poppy appeal. The money raised by the sale of poppies is used to support British servicemen and women. They can be bought at the Town Hall, online at www.britishlegion.org.uk and from shops, supermarkets, pubs and clubs.