LIVERPOOL will fall silent on Sunday 10 November when the Annual Service of Remembrance takes place at St George’s Hall.
In what is one of the largest events of its kind in the country, Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Anna Rothery will lead the city’s tribute to those brave women and men who have fought for their country.
Cllr Rothery will be joined by veterans, serving members of the armed forces, families of the fallen from recent conflicts, representatives from the Merseyside Royal British Legion, and other civic dignitaries at The Cenotaph on St George’s Plateau.
This year’s ceremony will commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
The service will begin at 10.40am when The Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will be joined by Liverpool’s-own Mezzo Soprano Danielle Louise Thomas.
A highlight of this year’s event will be a reading of North West poet Jane Weir’s contemporary war poem Poppies. Manchester-born Jane will join the gathering at St George’s Plateau where she will read the poem that she dedicated to: “parents, their children and the bonds which hold them together”. Poppies is regularly studied as part of the English Literature GCSE syllabus as an example of a modern war poem.
Bishop of Liverpool, The Right Rev Paul Bayes, will lead prayers of thanksgiving, whist The Archbishop of Liverpool, The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon will give the Act of Dedication and the blessing.
Other contributions will come from Staff Sergeant Claire High of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who will give a ‘moment of reflection’ and Mr Hardev Singh Sohal who will offer a prayer in the Sikh tradition representing the Faith Leaders’ Group.
At 11am the traditional firing of the gun will signify the start of the two-minute silence, with another firing to mark its conclusion.
Following the two-minute silence, the traditional wreath-laying and service, the parade will then march from St George’s Plateau to salute the Cenotaph. Civic buildings, St John’s Beacon and Liverpool ONE will be lit up red in recognition of the event.
Other events taking place in Liverpool to commemorate the Annual Service of Remembrance include:
- The opening of the Garden of Remembrance at St Johns Gardens at noon on Friday 8 November. Gardens 12pm
- The Hall of Remembrance at Liverpool Town Hall will open between 9am and 4pm on Monday 11 November, Armistice Day.
- On Monday 11 November, the Armistice Day two-minute silence will be observed at Exchange Flags, the Cenotaph and other venues across the city.
Culture Liverpool has also created a special digital Wall of Honour, which is an online tribute to all those who served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice. Anyone can contribute to the Wall of Honour and it can be viewed online at: https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/digital-wall-of-honour/.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Anna Rothery, said: “Liverpool has a long and proud history of paying tribute to those who have served to protect and uphold the freedom we hold so dear today. Many people from this city gave everything for the struggle against tyranny in two world wars and the many conflicts that have followed since. We must also remember that many are still doing their duty today and continue to serve their country across the world.
“There are many significant aspects to this year’s celebration and one, in particular, is the changing role of women in our armed forces. This is the first year that women have been able to sign up to serve in all branches of the armed forces, including the front line and it is in recognition of this that we will hear so many incredible female voices during our service.
“Ultimately we must make sure that the sacrifices made by those who serve are never forgotten and as we have seen in many previous years, Liverpool does its very best to honour them.”
Poet, Jane Weir, said: “It’s a great honour to have been asked to read my poem ‘Poppies‘ at this year’s remembrance service.
Liverpool is a great maritime city which has always embraced its community with its rich, diverse, social and cultural history, so to be asked to be a part of it is very special indeed.
“My poem is a tribute to the fallen but also to other people, the family and friends left behind who grieve and remember and who sometimes get overlooked. If my poem, catches on the wind which I’m told sweeps across the square from the Mersey I will have played some part in the memory, the remembrance of that.”
Bill Martin, Membership Support Officer for the Merseyside Royal British Legion said: “Let us join together and remember together the service and sacrifice, friendship and collaboration of the men and women of Britain, the Commonwealth and Allied nations who fought together and are currently serving in conflicts around the world.
“This year it is 75 years since allies from the Commonwealth and other nations fought shoulder to shoulder with Britain since the start of the Second World War. In 1944 this collaboration would result in victory in a number of critical battles; Monte Cassino, D-Day, Arnhem and Kohima and Imphal.
“As it was then, and it is today, our commitment to all our service men and women past and present and their families remains steadfast.”
Essential Travel Information
Those wishing to attend the Service at Remembrance at St George’s Hall are advised to give plenty of time for their journey and use public transport where possible.
The following road closures will be in place on the day:
- William Brown Street from Byrom Street between 7am and 1pm.
- Fraser Street (access only) between 6am and 1pm.
- Lime Street between London Road and Copperas Hill between 9.30am and 1pm.
- St Johns Lane and St George’s Place between Old Haymarket and Lime Street between 9.30am and 1pm.
- Skelhorne Street between Bolton Street and Lime Street between 9.30am and 1pm.
- Queens Square Bus Station will be closed from 9.30am until 1pm.
All buses for the south end of the city will turnaround at Great Charlotte Street. Buses from the north end of the city will pick up and terminate at bus stops near to the old TJ Hughes store on London Road due to the closure of London Road because of the ongoing demolition work on the Churchill Way Flyovers. Access will be maintained to St Johns Car Park, the World Museum and Walker Art Gallery in William Brown Street.