MANY HUNDREDS OF Warrington people gathered at the Town Hall, lined the streets and then massed at the Cenotaph to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and to commemorate the centenary of Armistice Day after World War 1.
On a day which began with rain but turned into a beautiful , clear Autumn Sunday the people of Warrington commemorated the sacrifice and suffering of war and to pray for the peace of the World.
Beginning at the Town Hall, as is traditional, a parade including veterans, serving Armed Forces, cadets, Scouts, Guides and St. Johns Ambulance personnel, were led by the Warrington Pipe Band.
Hundreds of locals lined the route through the Town centre to the Cenotaph where many more people had gathered to pay their respects to and remember the fallen.
Marking, as it does, the Centenary of the end of World War 1 this year’s Service of Remembrance took on further significance.
At one minute before 11 o’clock Lt. Col. L. Taylor-Duffy read from Laurence Binyon’s stirring poem “For the Fallen”.
To a hushed crowd the Last Post was sounded as the standards were dipped and was followed by a perfectly observed two minutes of silence.
Lt. Col Les Taylor-Duffy then said the Kohima Epitaph which was followed by the hymn “O valiant hearts”.
Norman Banner DL, MBE, laid the first wreath on the War Memorial alongside the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr. Karen Mundry, followed by other dignitaries, including the two local Members of Parliament.
Scripture readings and prayers were offered by Fr. Christopher Cunningham, The Revd Canon Paul Wilson, The Warrington Council of Faiths, and Warrington Free Churches and the Cadets.
To the moving strains of the Salvation Army band “I vow to thee my Country” was sung followed by the National Anthem.
The Revd. Canon Paul Wilson brought proceedings to a close with a Blessing.
The parade then returned through the applauding crowds gathered from Bridge Foot to the Town Hall.
Warrington Worldwide were on hand to video the march and service which has enabled many expats, workers and those unable to get to the Cenotaph to share the day.
Photo credits go to Paul Johnson and Graham Young, himself a veteran of the Grenadier Guards.
