Thousands of people gathered across the borough for Remembrance Day services to honor the country’s war heroes and pay homage to the dead.

Representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force joined veterans and civic dignitaries for parades and services in downtown Rochdale, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Milnrow and Wardle on Sunday (November 14).

Communities fell silent as the Last Post was played and residents rallied for well attended services. Each included Laurence Binyon’s 1914 poem For the Fallen: “They will not grow old like us, who stay, grow old; Age will not tire them, nor the years will condemn; at sunset and in the morning; we will remember them. “

The armed forces community, councilors, local schools and members of the public also laid their own wreaths and paid tribute, following moving readings from Kohima’s epitaph: “When you get home, talk to them. of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.

Services to mark Armistice Day on Thursday, November 11 were also held at the Rochdale Cenotaph and other parts of the borough as people gathered to show respect to those who made the sacrifice ultimate.

Read more: Remembrance Sunday at HeywoodPosted: November 15, 2021

Read more: Lest We Forget: Thousands of people pay homage to Rochdale Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday 2021Posted: November 14, 2021

Councilor Sue Smith, member of the Armed Forces cabinet, said: “It was nice to see so many people come together again to pay their respects to the dead.

“We are so proud of the work of our Armed Forces community, past and present, and the day was meant to honor the service and sacrifice of thousands of men and women in our borough. It is because of their bravery that we enjoy the freedoms that we too often take for granted. Let’s not forget that. ”

Rochdale Mayor Councilor Aasim Rashid said: “Remembrance Sunday is always a day of emotion and reflection as we come together to pay tribute to our military community.

“Without the selfless dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces personnel, the values ​​and freedom we so cherish would have been lost. Countless generations owe them a great debt, which is why the mayoress and I were so proud to lay wreaths across the borough in their honor.

“It was particularly moving to see residents of all ages pay tribute to the services of the borough. We never forget; we will remember them. “

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE added: “Indians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and others served alongside the British military during WWI and WWII. Thousands took part and many were killed or injured: some have never been found.

“Participating in the parade allows us to remember all of the fallen heroes. I would like to thank the British Legion, Rochdale Borough Council, all organizations and residents of the Rochdale Borough for giving us the opportunity to participate in the Remembrance Day Parade.

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd said: “Just like over a century ago, our armed forces have shown this year how essential they are to the security of the nation. From supporting the frontline response to the Covid crisis to the evacuation of 15,000 people from Afghanistan in just two weeks, the British military continue to play a central role in supporting and protecting British interests and values.

“During the commemoration, we honor and remember the sacrifices made by Rochdale’s servicemen and women, veterans and their families, past and present.

“It is essential that we recognize their heroic efforts, whether it’s supporting the local appeal of the poppy or passing on understanding of its importance to the next generation. We must honor and remember their sacrifice.

The council signed a Community Armed Forces Pact in 2012 which aims to encourage communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help reintegrate armed forces personnel into civilian life.

Current or former Armed Forces personnel can register for assistance or obtain more information by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/armedforces.

If they are having difficulty accessing the services of the council or its partners, email [email protected] or call the council on 01706 926 989.

Every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., the council hosts a veterans breakfast club at Touchstones Rochdale, alongside the council’s armed forces partners. All ex-military personnel and dependents are welcome.