Congregations throughout Greater Manchester have taken place to honour the nation’s war heroes.
Over in Rochdale town centre, Castleton, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Milnrow, and Wardle, representatives from the Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force joined forces with veterans and civic dignitaries for parades and commemorative services.
Residents gathered at memorials, observing a moment of silence as the haunting notes of the Last Post resonated at each service.
Each ceremony featured the recitation of Laurence Binyon’s poignant 1914 poem, “For the Fallen”: “They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; at the going down of the sun and in the morning; we will remember them.”
The Armed Forces community, MPs, the mayor of Rochdale, councillors, faith leaders, local schools, and the general public also laid wreaths and paid respects. Moving readings of The Kohima Epitaph accompanied these gestures: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
Armistice Day services on Saturday, November 11, took place at Rochdale Cenotaph and other locations across the borough, drawing people who wished to express their respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Councillor Janet Emsley said: “It was a day when the community united in its remembrance, as residents of all ages came together to pay their respects to those who lost their lives defending the values, liberty, and freedom we cherish so much and, all too often, take for granted.
“The service was an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are so proud of our Armed Forces community, past and present, and the day was about honoring the service and sacrifice of thousands of men and women from our borough. Lest we forget.”
Mayor of Rochdale Mike Holly said: “Remembrance Sunday is always a moving and reflective day, as we pay tribute to the fallen and honor the service of thousands of men and women from across the borough. Without the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our Armed Forces personnel, the values and liberty we value so much would have been lost. We never forget. We will remember them.”
In 2012, the council endorsed an Armed Forces Community Covenant, encouraging communities to support services facilitating the reintegration of armed forces personnel into civilian life. Current or former Armed Forces personnel seeking assistance or information can visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/armedforces.
