Remembrance Sunday: pictures as St Helens gathers to honour the fallen

The people of St Helens gathered in Victoria Square for a Remembrance Sunday service to honour the fallen.

In splendid autumn sunshine, a combination of parades, poem, prayer, silence and song produced an event that stirred the emotions.

Veterans (above) and Council leader David Baines with MP Marie Rimmer
 

It was a welcome return to normality after the official events of 2020 did not take place due to coronavirus restrictions.

In the region of 2,000 people are believed to have gathered for Sunday's service, which was led by Reverend Rachel Shuttleworth, of Parish Church, St Helens.

Saints coach Kristian Woolf and captain James Roby were among the civic party
 

Veterans of conflicts from the 20th and 21st centuries were out in force, but there were plenty of young faces too, both among organisations such as the army cadets and the scouts.

The Royal British Legion had spoken about the importance of passing the baton of remembrance to younger generations and this was clearly evident in St Helens, as parents again brought along children to observe the ceremony.

There was a considerable number of young people at the event 

They listened intently as veteran Lawrence Powers, ex-2nd Battalion of KOSB, read the Kohima Epitaph: “When you go home,

“Tell them of us and say,

“For your tomorrow,

“We gave our today.”

Lawrence Powers delivered his stirring words

Crowds also heard from Dr Usama Munir, of the St Helens Muslim Community, who led prayers for peace in the Muslim Tradition.

Dr Usama Munir (top photograph) addresses the crowds

Reverend Shuttleworth also asked the people of St Helens to support an act of dedication by supporting peace and justice in the world.

Members of the forces delivered a service to honour the fallen
 

Performances by Haydock Male Voice Choir and Valley Brass Band added poignancy to the occasion.