We Will Remember Them: Remembrance Sunday in Rochdale 2022

Date published: 13 November 2022

Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects at the Remembrance Sunday service at Rochdale cenotaph on 13 November, honouring those who died serving their country.

A uniformed parade marched from outside Touchstones Rochdale on The Esplanade before surrounding the cenotaph.

A pupil from Oulder Hill School opened the service in Rochdale centre with The Exhortation after the clock tower struck 11am:

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 sounded and those bearing standards lowered them for the two-minute silence.

 

 

 

 

 

Following a reveille, David Forbes DL, President of the Rochdale branch of the Royal British Legion, read The Kohima Epitaph before prayers were read.

Wreaths were laid by Mayor Ali Ahmed; the president of the Legion; the saluting officer; the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester; party leaders and Rochdale MP Sir Tony Lloyd; representatives of the three armed forces; police, fire and ambulance officers; the Royal British Legion and other ex-service organisations; magistrates and representatives from churches and mosques.

Other organisations, including Brownies, Guides and Scouts, and members of the public also laid their wreaths. 

 

 

 

 

The Reverend Margaret Smith, Town Centre Chaplain, sang the hymn 'By A Monument of Marble', before a prayer and a reading from the Gospel according to St John were read, followed by a Universal Peace Prayer and the hymn 'O God, Our Help in Ages Past' and the Lord’s Prayer.

The Blessing and the National Anthem closed the service, before the parade marched along the Esplanade to fall out at Touchstones.

Wooden crosses adorned with poppies had also been added to the Memorial Gardens, some bearing the names of those who had fought in the wars, whilst others recognised the sacrifice given by all who gave their lives.

 

 

 

 

Rochdale Mayor, Ali Ahmed, said: “Today is a moving a reflective day, as we come together 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. Countless generations owe them a great debt. We never forget.”

 

 

 

 

 

Wing Commander Forbes added: “Our borough will always have a proud and lasting association with the Armed Forced. Thousands of men and women across local communities have, over the last 100 years, made the ultimate sacrifices, fighting to protect our values and liberty. Today's forces are doing an equally brave job to protect our values, freedoms and liberty to keep our people safe.”

 

 

 

 

 

Rochdale MP Sir Tony Lloyd said: “During remembrance, we recall the sacrifices made by Rochdale service men and service women, veterans and their families, past and present. We must honour and remember their sacrifice.

“Our armed forces continue to show just how indispensable they are to the nation’s security. From training Ukrainian troops to supporting NATO allies in Estonia, the UK’s servicemen and servicewomen continue to play a central role to keep Britain safe and secure.

“Whether it’s supporting the local poppy appeal or passing on the understanding of its importance to the next generation, it’s vital we recognise their efforts.”