Fallen soldiers remembered
Date published: 06 August 2014
Photo: Alan Hamer
Councillor Alan McCarthy lights a candle
Town centre Chaplain Rev Margaret Smith led a poignant service and candlelit vigil at Rochdale Memorial Gardens on Monday 4 August to mark the day Britain declared war on Germany in the First World War.
The service was organised to remember all those who gave their lives so valiantly and included prayers, hymns and a reading of the poem ‘For the Fallen’ written by Lawrence Binyon.
Rev Smith, who described the service as "humbling to have led", said: “It was a great response by the public who attended the service.
"It was important to the church to remember World War One without glorifying the war and instead focusing on the peace.
"The vigil was perfect as it allowed people to think about the implications which were felt throughout the world.”
Activities were held throughout the borough on Monday to mark the day Britain went to war. The day culminated at 10pm when the Town Hall joined in with a national ‘Lights Out’ campaign.
Do you have a story for us?
Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Feel the heat: Fire festival returns to light up Rochdale with extra night and more displays
- 2Littleborough family’s charity ball raises a huge £35,000 for cancer
- 3New 2025 Bee Network bus and Metrolink tram fares confirmed – full list
- 4Greater Manchester to try "radical new way" of reforming benefits to get people into work
- 5Final decision made on Rochdale nightclub as police come under fire
To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.
To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.
