Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects at the Remembrance Sunday commemoration in Southport.
The huge annual event was organised by Southport Royal British Legion and took place on Sunday (10th November) to remember all those who have died in conflict.
People taking part in this year’s parade all met at Southport Royal British Legion’s Armed Forces Community Hub on Wesley Street in Southport town centre from 9.30am.
The Parade which included veterans, cadets, armed forces personnel, Scouts and others then marched off at 10.25am, heading along Wesley Street, Chapel Street and London Street, before standing to attention next to Southport War Memorial.
Families gathered in silence before Southport Royal British Legion Chair Major Nick McEntee said the Exhortation, ahead of the playing of The Last Post, a Call of Silence and the Kohima epitaph.
The Minister presiding at the Service, Ben Dyer – the Vicar at Christ Church – gave a moving speech about Southport paying its respects to the fallen and also to the three young girls who were killed at the Hart Space in Southport on 29th July.
Wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver, Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns and others.
Marchers then paraded along Lord Street to take the Salute from VIPs on the steps of Southport Town Hall.
As they walked along Lord Street, they passed the beautiful 12 metre high Poppy Drape in the Memorial Gardens, which contained 10,000 knitted poppies created by local group the Southport Hookers.
Volunteers from groups including 281 Southport Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Lord Street In Bloom and Liverpool University Air Squadron were among those who lent their support through making the Lord Street gardens look good and selling poppies.
Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Laura Wearing said: “It is a privilege to see this every year and I think the extra special mention regarding what happened earlier on this year was very special too.”
Julie Hallgate said: “What an amazing tribute to our heroes. And God love the Sea Cadet band. Well done to everyone involved.”
Cheryl Hawkins said: “Respect. What a beautiful turnout.”
Barbara Meadows said: “Great turn out, there were plenty of young families there too.”
Anna Harris said: “I remember growing up watching my dad in his uniform here. Very proud of these moments although he’s passed and proud of Southport.”
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