We will remember them: further details of Remembrance Sunday commemorations announced

Remembrance Sunday in Heywood 2019

The council has confirmed arrangements for this year’s Remembrance Sunday, which will be commemorated across the borough in a different way to usual because of the covid-19 pandemic.

A special service paying tribute to the fallen will be streamed on the council’s Facebook page from 10.50am on Sunday 8 November. It will also be available to view on the council’s YouTube and Twitter pages.

The remembrance service video will feature contributions from veterans, local councillors, the Member of the Youth Parliament, religious leaders and young musicians.

In September the council announced that, in line with national advice, there will be no official remembrance parades and services taking place across the borough this year.

Instead residents and veterans will be encouraged to pay their respects at home, by observing the national two-minute silence and following special council videos, pictures and social media coverage.

Residents can also send in pictures showing them paying tribute and ‘remembering at home’ to remembrance@rochdale.gov.uk. These will be promoted across the council’s social media channels throughout the day, using the hashtag #rochdaleremembers.

David Forbes, president of the Rochdale branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “The health and wellbeing of residents and veterans is paramount. Everyone will have the opportunity to pay their respects, from the safety of their own homes, as the borough comes together to reflect and remember on Sunday 8 November. Thank you to the council for putting together this very special online tribute. Lest we forget.”

Councillor Janet Emsley said: “With the safety of veterans and residents the number one priority, we are asking people to ‘remember at home’ by watching our special online video and observing the two minutes’ silence. It will be a poignant day as borough comes together to pay tribute to those who gave so much for so many.

“By working in partnership with the local Armed Forces community and the Royal British Legion we have helped to ensure that everyone can reflect and remember from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

“This decision means we are still having a remembrance service whilst continuing to ensure these brave men and women are protected at this crucial stage in the pandemic, in line with the Covid-19 rules.”