We will remember them: Remembrance Day services being held in the borough

Residents across the borough will have the chance to pay their respects to those who have made sacrifices in defence of the country at Remembrance Day services.

Commemorations will be held on Sunday 14 November, with a number of services and parades taking place. Representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force will join veterans and civic dignitaries for parades in Rochdale, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Milnrow, and Wardle.

Members of the public are invited to attend to show their gratitude to servicemen and women past and present.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Aasim Rashid, said: “Remembrance Sunday is always a moving and reflective day as we come together once again, 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. We never forget.”

He added: “This year also provides an opportunity to thank everyone in the Armed Forces and wider community for their work during the pandemic, as well as remembering those we sadly lost. We will remember them.”

 

 

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for the Armed Forces, said: “It will be a poignant occasion, as we gather again in person to pay our respects to those who have served our country and protected our freedoms and liberty.

“As cabinet member, I want to pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel past and present. I am proud of our work to support everyone in our Armed Forces community and Remembrance Sunday is about people of all ages coming together to pause, remember and reflect. Lest we forget.”

From now until Sunday 14 November, the Royal British Legion is holding its annual poppy appeal, which raises money to support British servicemen and women and their families.

Poppies can be bought online at www.britishlegion.org.uk, or in person at Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale and selected places across the borough.

Every Thursday from 9am–10am the council hosts a Veterans’ Breakfast Club at Touchstones, Rochdale. All ex-military and dependents are welcome to attend.

For details of all the Remembrance Sunday services and parades being held across the borough (Rochdale, Littleborough, Heywood, Middleton, Norden, Milnrow) including times, click here: Remembrance Sunday Parades and Services.

In addition to the borough-wide services and parades, Empire on Packer Street is hosting a free family concert after the Rochdale service. The performance will feature a local 17-piece big band who specialise in swing, plus a vinyl record countdown with DJ Jimmy Mush.