Lest we forget as borough unites in silence to honour the fallen

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 11:02

By David Murphy

Communities across Rochdale came together on Remembrance Sunday to honour the sacrifices of service personnel past and present.

Ceremonies were held in Rochdale town centre and across Castleton, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Milnrow and Wardle as residents of all ages paid their respects to those who served in defence of the country.

Silence fell at war memorials throughout the borough, marked by the sounding of the Last Post and the recital of Laurence Binyon’s iconic words from 1914: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Wreaths were laid by veterans, representatives of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, civic dignitaries, MPs, schoolchildren, faith leaders and members of the public.

Each service also featured the Kohima Epitaph, with its powerful reminder: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Janet Emsley, described the day as “poignant and reflective”, adding: “Veterans from many different conflicts, and people of all faiths and none, stood together in shared remembrance. We honoured those who served, those who sacrificed and those who continue to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”

She said the community’s strong turnout showed the depth of feeling across the borough.

“We never forget, which is why so many people, young and older, came together in such numbers to pay their respects to our fallen heroes. Side by side they fought together, they fell together and secured the peace together. We will always remember them.”