Service of Remembrance, Liverpool 08

IN common with millions across Britain and throughout the world, thousands gathered around Liverpool's Cenotaph to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day. The Band of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment with singer, Lesley Smith, performed for the crowds prior to the commencement of the Service. A parade then tool place from St John's Gardens round to the Cenotaph. The service began with a thought for Remembrance Day, given by the Archbishop of Liverpool, The Most Rev'd Patrick Kelly. The Act of Remembrance was led by the Life County President of the Royal British Legion, Col. J. Graeme Bryson, OBE, JP, DL., who read Laurence Binyon's now famous words from his poem, "To the Fallen", "They shall grow not old….." and also the Kohima message, "When you go home…." The Last Post was sounded, a gun signalled the 2 minutes silence, which was reverently observed. After the finish gun and the Reveille, the Ceremony of Wreath-laying ensued during which a lament was played. Dignitaries included the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jennifer Grundy JP,DL and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Steve Rotherham and representatives of many military and civilian organisations. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Re-dedication were offered by the Free Church Minister, the Rev'd Philip Jump. Interspersed between hymns, were prayers given by representatives of the major faiths of the City.' Mr Nigel Devereux of the Baha'i Faith, Mr Alasdair Gordon-Finlayson for the Buddhist Faith, Dr Shiv Pande MBE-Hindu Faith, Rabbi Dr Malcolm Malits MBE - Jewish Faith, Dr M Akbar Ali MBE- Muslim Faith and Mr Hardev Singh Sohal of the Sikh Faith. Peace was a recurring plea. It was particularly poignant to observe these representatives side by side in these uncertain times. The Lord Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Rev'd James Jones said prayers for those who suffer and for those who support them. Then led the congregation in the Lord's Prayer. The final blessing was given by all the Faith Leaders. After the National Anthem, the parade reconvened and marched to salute the Cenotaph. A fly past took place by wartime aircraft.

Page 1 of 2