Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday 2010

ON the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1018, the signing of the Armistice signified the cessation of the First World War. This time was chosen shortly afterwards and has remained so ever since with the inclusion of those lost in further conflicts including the Second World War and sadly continuing to the present losses in other theatres of warfare and terrorism. Although overshadowed by the addition of Remembrance Sunday in the last few decades, the determined efforts by veterans to mark the original Armistice Day as well has seen this commemoration rapidly regaining ground.

The services this year in both St Luke's Church, Formby and in Southport typified those held all over the UK and much further afield.

In Formby on Armistice Day, following, the march on of the Standards, a short service was held at the War Memorial, led by the RBL Chaplain, the Reverent Keith Jones. As the Bugler sounded the Last Post, a 2 minutes silence was kept by an increased number of attendees, but the silence was palpable in the surrounding area too broken only by the drone of a plane, itself a reminder rather than a distraction. Amongst the many older dignitaries and other observers at the Memorial were local Air Training Corps Cadets, and also children from St Peter’s Junior School. It is heartening to see that the promise “We will remember them” is being passed on to future generations. Even if for many now, there not a personal recollection it is to reflect on the sacrifices from which we have benefitted with gratitude and appreciation.

An abridged form of this service was repeated in Our Lady’s Church yard before the grave sides of six, young, Polish airmen who died fighting bravely alongside our forces in the Second World War. Representatives of the Polish community in Southport were present and placed their poppy crosses.

Similar services were held in places of worship and cenotaphs on Remembrance Sunday, 14 November 2010, when Merseyside joined the rest of the UK in paying tribute to those who died in conflicts around the world. The events were very well attended and that was despite the cold weather. At 11.00 hours, Southport became extremely quiet as the two minutes silence took place. To see this part of the service, please see our video footage. Also taking part in the afternoon was the traditional parade through Formby Village, from the Royal British Legion to a service of remembrance at Holy Trinity Church, followed by a return parade and another quick service. Again, this service and parade has been covered with video footage. See below. It will also be on Southport.TV  - Copies of the full mini service are available from the RBL Formby for private viewing, should you know anyone who does not have internet and would have liked to have gone, but could not attend. We can also supply a copy. Please let us know what you think about the way we mark Remembrance Day by emailing our newsroom and also, please read our political comment item by clicking on here...

These photographs are from Formby's St Luke’s Church’s, Formby Village, Southport Town Centre, St Peter’s Formby.  They where all taken over Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

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