Thousands turn out to honour war heroes
THOUSANDS gathered across the borough on Sunday for Remembrance Day Services to honour the nation’s war heroes, commemorating 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force joined veterans and civic dignitaries for parades and services in Rochdale town centre, Littleborough, Norden, Milnrow and Wardle.
The council estimates that up to 10,000 people braved the poor weather to attend Remembrance events across the borough.
Barely a sound was heard as the Last Post was played and residents gathered for the services, impeccably observing silences at 11am, and at 3pm in Wardle.
Each included extracts from Lawrence Binyon’s 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.”
Members of the public also laid their own wreathes and remembered following readings of The Kohima Epitaph; “When you go home, Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, We gave our today.”
After the service in Rochdale there was a range of family entertainment to mark the 100 year milestone.
The Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Zaman said: “It’s a special year with this being the 100 year anniversary, although remembrance is about everyone who gave up their lives over many decades.
“I was proud to represent the borough at the services and once again we saw huge turnouts right across the borough.”
Councillor Janet Emsley, lead member for the armed forces said: “The services I attended were very moving and it was an honour to remember and reflect.
“Turnouts have been incredible, despite poor weather for most of the morning.
“It is important we remember the contribution and sacrifices of our past heroes.
“The one hundred year anniversary is a poignant reminder to us all.”