Manchester stands silent for Remembrance Sunday

Hundreds of people gathered to join a two-minute moment of silence in Manchester city centre yesterday to remember fallen servicemen and women.

The large crowd was made up of military personnel, veterans and members of the public looking to remember those who served in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

Public figures such as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham were in attendance at the cenotaph on St. Peter’s Square for the service led by Bishop of Manchester, David Walker.

A parade of veterans, military personnel and cadets were led from John Dalton Street towards the cenotaph by the Greater Manchester Police Band. The Scots Guards Association’s Manchester brand followed shortly after with pipes and drums.

After the opening reveille, Brigadier AG Ross OBE recited the Kohima Epitaph, reading: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

The moment of silence was taken at 11am after the Last Post and the firing of a maroon. A second cannon fire signalled the end of the silence.

Wreaths were then laid at the cenotaph by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

The leader of Manchester council Bev Craig and the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Carmine Grimshaw were some of the other local political leaders to attend.

Judge Nicholas Dean KC attended on behalf of the city’s judiciary as the Honorary Recorder of Manchester. The metropolitan region’s emergency services were represented by GMP chief constable Stephen Watson and chief fire officer Dave Russel.

After the laying of wreathes, the Bishop of Manchester then delivered the service. Rabbi Daniel Walker, leader of the Heaton Park synagogue targeted in a terrorist attack in October, also spoke to the crowd.

Michael Legg, a 65-year-old ex-serviceman from Cheadle who attended the service said: “It’s always a good turnout and it’s just great to see younger people. Years ago it used to be full of older people, the older generation. Now it’s just great to see families here.”