Poignant service honours fallen heroes on Remembrance Sunday

Published: Sun 10th November, 2024

People and organisations in Loughborough joined serving and former members of the Armed Forces on Remembrance Sunday to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

Queen’s Park hosted another poignant service, with the town’s war memorial the Carillon Tower at the centre.

Silence fell at 11am following a rendition of The Last Post, as people remembered those who gave their lives for this country, and those who continue to serve.

In what has become a celebrated and stunning annual spectacle, thousands of paper poppies were scattered from the top of the tower during the two-minute silence.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE said: “It was an honour and privilege to attend the Remembrance Sunday service and recognise the many men and women who have served during times of conflict and who continue to do so.

“We owe so much to those who have fought in the First and Second World Wars and who have lost their lives to give us the freedom we have today. The sacrifice our millions of soldiers have made and continue to make, needs not be forgotten, but sincerely remembered. We have so much to thank them all for.

“Please do buy your poppy, wear it with pride and support the Royal British Legion who help so many. It is our responsibility to ‘Never Forget’.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and those who watched at home on the live stream. Your support is greatly appreciated.”

The service was led by The Reverend Elizabeth York, Chaplain to the Royal British Legion, Loughborough Branch and Lead Chaplain, Loughborough University, and The Right Reverend Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough.

Michael Pearson Esq DL, Deputy Lieutenant to the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE, was also in attendance as representative of His Majesty King Charles III and paid tribute to our Armed Forces and thanked the residents in attendance.

The parade started and ended in the Market Place with the following organisations taking part: The Royal British Legion Loughborough Branch, 1st Loughborough Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade Band, Loughborough Grammar School Corp of Drums, Hathern Youth & Concert Brass and Loughborough Male Voice Choir. Loughborough Concert Band performed in the bandstand at Queen’s Park.

Other Remembrance Sunday services took place across the borough.

The Remembrance service was shown on two big TV screens that were stationed either side of the Carillon Tower and live-streamed online thanks to the Council’s Living Loughborough project. The project involves a range of initiatives in the town centre including events and received funding from the Loughborough Town Deal.

The Town Deal secured £16.9m of Government funding and is supporting 11 projects that will generate £40m of investment into the Loughborough area.

You can view the full video of the Remembrance service on the Council’s website: www.charnwood.gov.uk/remembrance.