Thousands gathered across the borough for Remembrance Day services to honour the nation’s war heroes and pay their respects to those who have made sacrifices in defence of the country.
Representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force joined veterans and civic dignitaries for parades and services in Rochdale town centre, Castleton, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Milnrow and Wardle.
Residents gathered as memorials fell silent, with the Last Post played at each service. Each included the immemorial words from Laurence 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.”
The Armed Forces community, Members of Parliament, Mayor of Rochdale, Council Leader, Councillor Neil Emmott, councillors, faith leaders, local schools and members of the public also laid their own wreaths and gave respects, following moving readings of The Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Faisal Rana, said:
“The turnout across the borough was incredible, as people of all ages gathered at memorials in Heywood, Middleton, Pennines, and Rochdale to pay their respects. On a poignant and moving Remembrance Day, we honoured the fallen, people of all faiths and no faith, from countries all over the world. It was a day when the whole community fell silent to reflect and remember.
“We will forever hold a special place in our hearts, today and always, for those who never came home. Without their selfless dedication and sacrifices, the freedom, liberty and values we take for granted would have been lost. Side by side they fought together, they fell together and secured the peace together. We will always remember them. Lest we forget.”
Current or former Armed Forces personnel can register for help or get more information by visiting the Armed forces community page.
If they encounter difficulties when accessing services from the council or its partners, email armedforces@rochdale.gov.uk or call the council on 01706 926989.