Mayor leads the call to remember war dead
ROCHDALIANS are set to come together to pay their respects to those who have made sacrifices in defence of the country.
A number of services and parades will be taking place across the borough on Sunday, with representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force joining veterans and civic dignitaries.
Members of the public are invited to attend to show their gratitude to servicemen and women past and present.
The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ali Ahmed, said: “Remembrance Sunday is always a moving and reflective day as we come together once again, united as one, to pay tribute to our Armed Forces and honour the service of thousands of men and women from across the borough.
“Without the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our Armed Forces, the freedoms, liberty and values we cherish so much, would have been lost. We never forget.”
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for the
Armed Forces, added: “As always it will be a moving occasion, as we gather across the borough to pay our respects to those who have served our country and protected our freedoms and liberty.
“I am proud of our ongoing work to support everyone in our Armed Forces community and Remembrance Sunday is about people of all ages coming together at local memorials to pause, remember and reflect.”
From now until Sunday the Royal British Legion is holding its annual poppy appeal, which raises money to support British servicemen and women and their families.
Poppies can be bought online at www.britishlegion.org.uk , Number One Riverside, Rochdale and selected places across the borough.
Cllr Emsley added: “This year’s services will have had an added poignancy following the recent death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her Majesty always stood side by side with our Armed Forces community and she will be in everyone’s thoughts when we come together on 13 November.
“In our remembrance we honour the fallen, people of all faiths and no faith, from all over the world. Side by side they fought together, they fell together and together they defended the freedom we all enjoy today.
“We are united in our remembrance. Lest we forget.”
Every Thursday 9am10am the council hosts a Veterans’ Breakfast Club at Touchstones, Rochdale.
All ex-military and dependents are welcome to attend.
For more details of the Remembrance Sunday services and parades visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/ events
“Without the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our Armed Forces, the freedoms, liberty and values we cherish so much, would have been lost.”