The people of Liverpool gathered at the heart of the city to commemorate the lives of fallen soldiers on Remembrance Sunday.
Despite the sun beaming down, the air was brisk and many stood shivering at the Cenotaph of St George’s Hall during the graceful ceremony, which was led by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips.
Among them were veterans such as 91-year-old Edward Dunn from Kirkby, who served in the Royal Artillery in 1944 and the Merchant Navy in 1952.
He told JMU Journalism: “It’s fantastic to come down here every year and pay my respects to all the lads who fought in the First and Second World Wars. It’s been a lovely service this year.”
Another attendee, Mary Wilson, from Liverpool, told JMU Journalism: “I have two family members who serve in the armed forces, my grandson and my nephew. I believe it’s important to come here and remember those who died for us to be free.”
At 11am, the crowd at St George’s Hall fell silent, in solidarity with the rest of the nation, taking those moments to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought fearlessly and “for our tomorrow, gave their today”.
YouTube: Tammy-Lee Walsh
As Reverend Jacky Embrey recalled at the beginning of the service: “We must honour those who have made sacrifices so that we may have free lives.”
The two minutes’ silence was followed with a performance from Danielle Louise Thomas, who sang a moving rendition of ‘Eternal God, Before Whose Face We Stand’ while thousands of red poppies cascaded from the roof of St George’s Hall, showering the band below.
After a respectful blessing from the Archbishop of Liverpool, The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon, the crowd was silent once again for the National Anthem.
Finally, the parade commander requested the permission of Lord Mayor, Cllr Anna Rothery for the parade to march off, saluting the Cenotaph.
Twitter: JMU Journalism
Photos: Remembrance Sunday service outside St George’s Hall in Liverpool #RemembranceSunday #LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/wUFHNZ1VM9
— JMU Journalism (@JMUJournalism) November 10, 2019
More photos from #RemembranceSunday in Liverpool as the city pays its respects to the fallen. #LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/B6vibEMzhS
— JMU Journalism (@JMUJournalism) November 10, 2019