The City of Liverpool came together on the steps of St George’s Hall this Remembrance Sunday, as thousands of people gathered to pay their respects to the fallen.
This year’s service held particular significance as it commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, marking the end of World War Two in Europe and the far East.
Civilians, veterans, cadets and civic leaders all gathered for the event, underscoring its importance for the city.
From 10:40am, a musical prelude began with performances by The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and the Valley Brass Band.
David Chadwick, Musical Director of Valley Brass Band, said: “It’s very important that we show our respect.
“Our band started off with a lot of children, so exposing them to these events and getting them to pay their respects is a good thing to do. It’s a multi generational event rather than something that will just fizzle out.”
He added: “It’s grown massively since we first started around 25 years ago. We’re really proud as a band to be involved in the whole weekend, from the concert which is the Festival of Remembrance right through to the Sunday Service.”
At 11:00am, the traditional two-minute silence was observed, beginning and ending with ceremonial gunfire from 208 Battery, 103 Regiment Royal Artillery.
Guest of honour John Dennett, age 101, stood from his wheelchair to lay a wreath of poppies on Liverpool Cenotaph. The Navy veteran served as a gunner during the D-Day landings since joining at just seventeen years old.
Also paying their respects were civic, military and religious leaders, including MPs, the Kings representative for Merseyside Lord-Lieutenant Mark Blundell, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool councillor Barbara Murray, the High Sheriff of Merseyside, the honorary recorder of Liverpool, and the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.
The Town Hall, St George’s Hall and Cunard building was lit red from Friday 7th November – Sunday 9th November in a powerful visual tribute, to mark the Remembrance weekend.
The large poppies were displayed on the town hall balcony and the Bombed-Out Church leading up to remembrance, each one representing the courage and bravery of those who have died in war.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Barbara Murray said: “I am deeply honoured to stand with our community in remembrance of those who gave so much in the pursuit of peace.”
“Liverpool has always been a city of resilience and compassion, and this event is a powerful reflection of our shared commitment to honouring history and those who shaped it.”
