Thousands salute heroes
From left, Radley Azeta, aged six, from Levenshulme, dresses as a soldier in St Peter’s Square; bikers join in the celebration at Broughton House in Salford; an inspection of servicemen in Manchester THOUSANDS of people gathered across Greater Manchester to honour war heroes past and present.
Crowds of young and old came together with military personnel at St Peter’s Square in the city centre to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
As well as those currently serving, the day salutes veterans of conflicts past, reservists, cadets, families and charities.
The parade started at 11.30am and was led by the Bolton-based Lancashire Artillery Band which marched past the Manchester Cenotaph.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Coun Eddy Newman, then spoke to the participants before the crowds were thanked for their ‘amazing support.’
The Armed Forces Day event included a display of military vehicles, a model of a cockpit from a Jet Provost plane and information about military and support services for veterans.
Other events were also held across the region, with Armed Forces Day celebrated in Denton, Wythenshawe, Eccles, Salford, Stretford, Leigh and Bolton.
In Salford, a family fun day was held at Broughton House, the Salford home for ex-servicemen and women. The day included stalls and children’s activities.
Since it opened in 1916 Broughton House has cared for many thousands of armed forces veterans – a final refuge for heroes.
The fun day, opened by the ceremonial mayor of Salford Coun Peter Connor, included a military vehicle display, live entertainment and activities for children.
The Broughton House museum was open and cadets from the 1832 North Manchester Squadron volunteered.
Ty Platten, chief executive of Broughton House, said: “It was a great opportunity for the community to show support for our veterans and also for the men and women who are currently serving in the armed forces.”
Theresa May praised the ‘tremendous job’ of the armed forces and for their vital role in Manchester after last month’s terror attack.
Speaking at an event in Liverpool, SHE said: “It is wonderful that we mark the tremendous job our armed forces do for us here at home and across the world, helping to keep us safe. Of course, recently, after the terrible terrorist attack in Manchester, we saw our armed forces on the streets helping to reassure people of their safety and security, and it’s great that we recognise the work that all our armed forces do.”