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East Lancashire pays its respects on Remembrance Sunday
9:10am Monday 10th November 2008
CURRENT soldiers joined dignitaries and war veterans in marking Remembrance Sunday.
Soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment came to Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley where they paraded to each town’s cenotaph before a traditional service.
Remembrance services were also held in Darwen, Great Harwood, Rishton, Altham, Mellor, Whalley, Huncoat, Oswaldtwistle, Hoddlesden, Billington, Baxenden, Padiham, Hapton, Foulridge, Barrowford, Colne, Fence, Brierfield, Blacko, Earby, Barnoldswick, Ramsbottom and Bacup.
Colour Sergeant Rob Jeffries, from the 1st Battalion, who led the soldiers and has served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq during the past 16 years, said: “We not only need to remember the old soldiers who have lost their lives in world war but those who have sacrificed themselves in Ireland, for example.
“The 2nd Battalion lost quite a few soldiers in Iraq, too.
"No matter where we are in the world ,we always do a parade for Remembrance Sunday.”
More than 350 soldiers took part in services across the North West.
Lance Corporal Jade Anthony, 19, from Blackburn, a medic in the 4th Battalion, said: “Remembrance Sunday is not just about remembering the past soldiers but the present friends that have fallen now.
"It is about remembering battles – not just Afghanistan and Iraq but others such as Northern Ireland.
"I am very proud. It is a very big privilege.”
Kingsman Alex Winterburn, 26, from Blackburn, a light machine gunner from One Platoon, said: “It is important to remember people who have died because they have sacrificed their lives. ”
Capt Jon Gilbody, unit spokesperson, added: “Remembrance Sunday is one of the most significant events in the military calendar.
"It is important in this busy world to take time to remember.”
Among the serving soldiers in Burnley was Lance Corporal Danny Fort, from Eastern Avenue.
He said: “Remembrance Sunday is all about the veterans and a mark of respect for the older guys.
"They have been through much worse times than we have and the fact that we stand to remember them is something to be proud of.
“People see it as the time to remember the fallen but I think we should do more of it and maybe have a national day for veterans.”
Liam Wilkinson, originally from Harle Syke, said: “The day is about remembering those who have died in the past.
"I think that people are more supportive now and over past years have been coming out for us.”
Sgt Barry Quinn, from Duke Bar, added: “We have come to commemorate what the veterans did for us in the past because if it was not for those who fought in the world wars, we would not be here.
"I come back to Burnley every month and I see that soldiers always get a lot of respect and recognition.”
The troops followed veterans in the procession, and past and present members of the armed forces were trailed by young cadet soldiers, police, members of the Red Cross and scouts.
The parade was joined at Burnley’s cenotaph by the mayor, Coun Ida Carmichael, and scores who had gathered to pay their respects.
Your Say YourTelegraph
andy1, burnley says...
10:54am Sat 8 Nov 08
Windyourneckin wrote:I will be attending this year for the past two years I have had to be on duty rota. The two years before that I was ill. I though Im not Christian but Druid do my own thing when the Priest waffles on. I do feel guilty at missing so many Armastise Day Parades being ex Army. Lets get has many people out there to Parades this year even if we do object to occupations of Countries like Iraq which I do. There is about to be a new President of the USA who has promised policy change lets hope he sticks to it. We are there to remember those who gave their lives for our freedoms even though it may not be perfect we do have certain freedoms.
140,000 People in Blackburn on Sunday Morning there will be no more than 1000 people in attendance at our memorial. Thank you to all who attend your attendance and contribution is very much appreciated. To you who "cannot be bothered" sleep well. Good job you can, glad our forefathers did not have to rely on you for the call up.
easymonies, Disneyland says...
6:04pm Sat 8 Nov 08
It does not matter what religion you are, you are respecting what was given for freedom. The highest price. Life.
Being a veteran myself and serving in two wars (Falklands/GW1)I have travelled home and will be at the Blackpool event where I will proudly wear my Poppy in remembrance. Having lost family and friends in Wars it should not be forgotten and youngsters and others should be taught the sacrifices given and being given. 'Lest we not forget'.
Lastly, this article should be for remembrance, not criticisms at those cannot be bothered, doing so is lowering a solemn event.
NEWRADKID, DARWEN says...
11:24am Mon 10 Nov 08
Leo Accy, accrington says...
4:28pm Mon 10 Nov 08
I have been going to Accrington for the past years , however last year this was not even conducted at the correct time of 11.00. The turnout at clayton-le-moors was superb on a cold damp November morning. It was plain to see that not only those that died in both world wars being respected, but also for the young man who recently lost his life serving for Britain who lived in Clayton-le-moors
Respect to all in Clayton
mikebuk, Blackpool says...
10:42pm Tue 11 Nov 08
You get the Sunday before the 11th, the 11th itself plus there was one in at least one football match at 8 pm tonight.
So many 'moments of silence' can detract from the important observance at the recognised and traditional time.
Windy, how do you reckon 140,000 are going to congegate in the one place ?
Many may have attended services elsewhere.
True Darwener, Darwen says...
1:07am Thu 13 Nov 08
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Remembrance Sunday service in Corporation Park, Blackburn, where a wreath was laid by borough mayor and mayoress Coun Mohammed Khan and Nazreen Akhtar
Accrington Royal British Legion’s John Wilson, poppy appeal organiser Graham Rawcliffe and chairman Gordon Preston
The scene at Darwen
East Lancashire pays its respects on Remembrance Sunday
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Windyourneckin, Blackburn says...
12:45am Sat 8 Nov 08