GREAT HARWOOD BRITISH LEGION
GREAT Harwood British Legion team turned out locally at two events in the town on Saturday to celebrate and commemorate VJ Day - the end of the war with Japan.
At 10.50am a ceremony took place at Churchfield House with the Legion Standard bearers in attendance and a group of locals, all social distancing very well.
The town crier Rawden Kerr spoke on behalf of Great Harwood Civic Society - who hosted this event - and short speeches were made by the Mayor, June Harrison, and our MP, Sara Britcliffe.
Chairman of the British Legion, Patrick Mcginley, then said the Legion prayer - followed by a two minutes’ silence - then Patrick recited the Kohima prayer - followed by appropriate music.
At the end, the town crier read out a poem about the war ending.
It was a sincere ceremony appreciated by all present and on social media.
The church bells in every church in the borough were “pealed” at exactly 11.10am. The sound was amazing with an echo in the air.
At 2pm members of the Great Harwood British Legion attended at the cenotaph in Memorial Park, Great Harwood.
The usual prayers were said and a wreath was laid by chairman Patrick Mcginley to honour those who died in the war and survivors.
A postcard treasured by Legion member Steve Flannery, given to him several years ago, was sent by Private Stan Fowles on July 3, 1942 to his sister who lived on Beech Street in Harwood.
He sent his regards to his family commenting “please don’t worry. Hope to see you all soon”.
Every year, ex-soldier Steve lays a wreath to the memory of Private Stan Fowles. Lest we forget. We will not forget them.