Liverpool city center was filled with silence this morning as a moving Remembrance Service took place to honor the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy and the Battle of Arnhem. People gathered at Lime Street to pay their respects, where the Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and The Pipes and Drums of The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association performed before the service began. The Lighthouse Gospel Choir also sang Abide With Me, adding to the solemn atmosphere of the event.
Military service personnel marched along Lime Street and St John’s Lane to St George’s Hall, where hundreds of onlookers watched in silence. Spontaneous rounds of applause broke out from the crowd at various points during the procession, showing their appreciation for those who have served. The usually bustling area around Lime Street station was quiet and reflective, with only the occasional applause and the sound of military brass bands breaking the silence.
Former BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips led the service, introducing each group walking in the parade and emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have made sacrifices in wars and conflicts. The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings was the theme of the service, highlighting the need to unite and pay tribute to the armed forces who have fought for our freedoms. The two-minute silence at 11am was marked by gun fire, with civic, military, and religious leaders participating in the wreath-laying ceremony.
After the silence, a parade marched from St George’s Plateau to salute the Cenotaph, a poignant moment that symbolized the respect and gratitude for those who have served. Paper poppies were blown from a machine at the top of St George’s Hall, falling onto the plateau as a symbolic gesture of remembrance. Military veterans like Owen Coker and Tommy Savage, who were present at the event, shared their experiences and reflected on the importance of coming together to honor the fallen.
Owen Coker, an 86-year-old veteran from Old Swan, spoke about his time with the Liverpool Scottish regiment and the pride he feels in being a part of the army. Tommy Savage, a 78-year-old veteran from Garston, highlighted the camaraderie and sense of community that Remembrance Sunday brings to the city of Liverpool. Both veterans emphasized the significance of these parades in allowing them to reconnect with old friends and share memories of their time in the service.
As the city of Liverpool came together to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for their country, the atmosphere was one of solemn reflection and gratitude. The Remembrance Service served as a powerful reminder of the bravery and dedication of the armed forces, past and present, and the importance of honoring their service.
