Fleetwood Salutes the War Dead

Fleetwood’s Memorial Park fell silent on Sunday the 11th November, as tributes were paid to fallen servicemen and servicewomen in the annual Remembrance Day service.

In a scene echoed across the nation, local people crowded around the town’s war memorial statue as troops past and present took part in a solemn, respectful ceremony in honour of the fallen.

An excellent level of attendance showed the solidarity present in the town. It was also encouraging to see the number of younger attendants - a sign that the tradition of paying respect to the war dead is being passed down from one generation to the next.

Readings (including one from a local war veteran) and hymns provided poignant food for thought on the themes of duty and sacrifice. At eleven o’clock, a firework was launched to herald two minutes of silence - time for quiet reflection and appreciation of the sacrifice made by serving officers in wars across the world.

After the silence, wreaths were laid by many organisations, including the Police and local Sea Cadets, as well as members of the public. The cards accompanying the wreaths hinted at family tragedies from conflicts past and present, while the ongoing tensions in the Middle East made this Remembrance Day particularly relevant.

The service provided a way for the town to focus its thoughts and pay its respects to those who gave their todays for the sake of our tomorrows. Fleetwoodi is proud to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives in the name of freedom and justice. Without their courage, we wouldn’t be here.