IN PICTURES: Macclesfield Remembers at 11am on Friday November 11

By Alex Greensmith 11th Nov 2022

Four standard bearers laid flags in front of the Town Hall. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)
Four standard bearers laid flags in front of the Town Hall. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

A packed Macclesfield Town Hall ceremony saw all generations come together to remember soldiers past and present.

The Friday morning event took place from 10:45am to 11:05am at the Market Place Municipal building.

Macclesfield Town Council organised the event with Royal British Legion Macclesfield.

Close to 1000 attended, including multiple schools, Macclesfield MP David Rutley, and Macclesfield Mayors of previous years.

Please note: No pictures of the Market Place event were taken during the two minutes silence - as a mark of respect. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The event saw former soldier Allan Williams and Macclesfield Mayor Fiona Wilson speak, and a two minute silence observed.

Given the fact that the past two Novembers have been peaks of COVID, it is safe to say that this year saw the best attended 11am Remembrance Day in Macclesfield since 2019.

Cllr Wilson gave an extended speech in an email to Macclesfield Nub News.

"The Act of Remembrance is as important as ever in 2022 with the return of conflict to mainland Europe in Ukraine," said Fiona.

Allan Williams and Fiona Wilson (centre) said words at the event. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"I know many Macclesfield people have reached out to the Ukrainian people, and their humanity and compassion makes me proud. Our service personnel continue to play a leading role including training Ukrainian troops, coordinating supplies and supporting NATO allies.

"Initial returns from the 2021 census show nearly two million people have previously served in our armed forces and 7% of all households have one or more persons who have served.

"Our Macclesfield veterans and residents always turn out in big numbers for Remembrance.

"My Mayoral theme is Our Community Stronger Together and the extra 53 names to be carved on to our Cenotaph reminds us that many local people served their country and gave their lives for our freedoms and Macclesfield Town Council were honoured to be able to provide a grant towards the completion of this act of remembrance.

Pupils of Puss Bank School pictured shortly after perfectly observing the silence. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Once again this year, we have arranged for a poppy projection to pay our respects and this year the poppies cover the Market Place.

"We have also arranged two Civic Events along with the Royal British Legion Macclesfield to pay tribute to all those who fought and died in the First World War and all conflicts since.

"I encourage all of our residents to support the Royal British Legion Macclesfield poppy appeal to raise vital funds to support our armed forces communities and veterans and ensure the importance of Remembrance to future generations.

"Since the First World War, remembering the unique contribution of our Armed Forces has been part of the fabric of society.

For some, this year felt particuarly more poignant as the world inches closer to war given the Russian-Ukraine conflict. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Remembrance is about bringing communities and individuals together to participate in their own way, and honour the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community, past and present.

"We will remember them."

A further Remembrance event will take place at Macclesfield Cenotaph on Park Green on Sunday morning.

It is not too late to buy a poppy, head to Macclesfield Royal British Legion on Chestergate to do so.

     

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