Heywood Remembrance Sunday

Date published: 11 November 2018

Thousands of people paid their respects to those who died serving their country at the Remembrance Sunday service in the Memorial Gardens in Heywood this morning (11 November).

Before the start of the service Father Paul Daly dedicated the names of two soldiers killed in action during World War One who have been added to the Heywood Memorial in the past 12 months. Lance Corporal Tom Kay was killed in action on 3 May 2017 and Second Lieutenant Robert Lester Taylor was killed in action on 11 September 1918.

The Exhortation was read: "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 Last Post was played and a two minutes silence was solemnly observed.

Those gathered sang the hymn 'O God, our help in ages past'.

The Minister said: “Let us remember before God, and commend to his sure keeping those who have died for their country in war; those whom we knew, and whose memory we treasure; and all those who have lived and died in the service of humanity.”

Wreaths were laid by veterans, Deputy Mayor Billy Sheerin, local councillors, churches, schools, scout groups, girl guides, the emergency services, businesses and many other local groups.

The Blessing and the National Anthem closed the service, before the parade marched from Hornby Street and along LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way in front of the Civic Centre.

Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to be here on a very special day which meant a lot to many families who lost a loved one in the war to end all wars.

"The numbers attending reflected the respect for those who gave their lives for our freedom. On a personal note, having family in Heywood made it rather special."

Heywood Remembrance Sunday parade - 11 November 2018
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