Remembrance Sunday 2011
8 November 2011
Civic dignitaries, servicemen and women, ex-service organisation, faith leaders and uniformed organisations, will take part in Manchester’s Remembrance Day procession and service on Sunday 13 November
At 10.48am senior representatives from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Royal British Legion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and Reserve Forces will join the Lord Mayor, Councillor Harry Lyons JP, in a procession from Albert Square to the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square.
Faith leaders, including representatives from the Muslim, Afro-Caribbean Christian Churches, Sikh, Hindu and Jewish communities, will join clergy from the Free Church, Church of England and Catholic Church.
The procession, led by the Greater Manchester Police Band, will also include the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Chief Executive, Honorary Recorder, Honorary Freeman and Honorary Alderman of the city, Members of Manchester City Council, Manchester MPs and Magistrates.
The procession will make its way down Mount Street and Peter Street and will be called to attention by the parade commander. At 11.00am the Last Post will be sounded and the start and end of the two-minute silence will be marked by the firing of 105mm gun.
Following the conclusion of the service at the Cenotaph, Military, Ex -Services, Pre-Service Cadets and Civilian Units will march past the saluting base in Albert Square where the Lord Mayor will take the salute.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Harry Lyons JP, said "It's extremely important that we hold the commemoration for Remembrance Sunday. It provides us all a time to reflect on past and current conflicts and to pay our respects to all men and women who gave their lives fighting for our freedom."
The city will also mark Armistice Day on Friday 11 November, with a two-minute silence observed at 11am. The start and finish of the silence will be signified with the firing of a maroon from the roof of the Town Hall.
This year Armistice Day falls on 11.11.11, it will be another hundred years before the date consists of a single digit. In recognition of this significant date, and as an additional gesture for Armistice Day, the town hall flags will be flown at half-mast for the first-time.
