Lest we forget: Borough falls silent to remember the fallen

Date published: 12 November 2024

Thousands gathered across the borough for Remembrance Sunday services to honour the nation’s war heroes and pay tribute to the fallen.

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 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 Neil Emmott, councillors, faith leaders, local schools and members of the public also laid their own wreathes 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.”

Services to mark Armistice Day, on Monday 11 November, were also held at Rochdale Cenotaph and in other parts of the borough, as people attended to show their respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Councillor Janet Emsley, lead member for the Armed Forces, said: “Remembrance Sunday is always a poignant day, as residents of all ages come together to reflect and remember.

"In our remembrance we honoured the fallen, people of all faiths and no faith, from countries all over the world. Side by side they have fought together, they fell together and together they defended the liberty and freedom we all enjoy today.

"The services across the borough were an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are so proud of our Armed Forces community, past and present. Lest we forget.”

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, said: “As always, it was a moving and reflective day, as we paid tribute to the fallen and honoured the service of thousands of men and women from across the borough. 

"It is an honour and a privilege to represent and be the first to lay the wreath, on behalf of all citizens in the borough. Without the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our Armed Forces personnel, the values and liberty we value so much would have been lost.

"We will always be reliant on all those who serve in the Armed Forces. That’s why Remembrance Day means so much, to so many. We will remember them.”