Remembering the Somme – statement by council leader Rishi Shori

"It’s heartening to see the entire country coming together to remember the dreadful events of the Somme on this day, a full century on.

"We must never forget the ultimate sacrifice that so many of our (mainly young) people made during what is widely considered to be the blackest day in our nation’s military history.

"Like so many towns, Bury bore a terrible cost. It makes us all proud that the Lancashire Fusiliers is still the only organisation that enjoys Freedom of the Borough of Bury.

"While the main commemorative events are taking place in Manchester and Salford, Bury Council has been fully involved with the Fusiliers in arranging today's remembrance events locally, as we do for Armistice Day and Gallipoli. The Mayor, Cllr Mike Connolly, represented the council at the wreath laying ceremony outside Bury Parish Church this morning, and will be representing the borough at the service of remembrance at Manchester Cathedral this afternoon and at Heaton Park this evening.

"The council also observed a 2-minute silence this morning and, in line with guidance from the Prime Minister's office, we are flying the Union flag at full mast at the town hall.

"The council has a long and proud history of commemorating our brave armed forces and the Colonel-in-Chief of the Fusiliers has said on many occasions that the council and the people of Bury stand head and shoulders above any other town in the country in this respect. We are very happy, and honoured, to do so. Only recently we organised and funded events commemorating Victoria Crosses awarded to two local soldiers during the First World War. We were also proud to raise the flag in Union Square to mark Armed Forces Day.

"All of us in Bury feel great pride, and have a great love, for our brave Fusiliers. The ravages of a century will not diminish that one little bit."

ENDS

Issued: 1 July 2016.

Picture: Fusilier James Hutchinson, who won a Victoria Cross 100 years ago, was recently commemorated in his home town of Radcliffe.