Lest we forget

Churches, schools, civic leaders and local communities across the Diocese of Chester came together to honour those who have served in the Armed Forces and to remember all who have lost their lives in conflict.

From parish churches and village war memorials to town-centre cenotaphs and civic ceremonies, thousands of people gathered to mark Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day through acts of worship, wreath-laying ceremonies, prayers and moments of silence.

At Chester Cathedral, hundreds gathered on Remembrance Sunday to honour those who served. Following prayers and a two-minute silence, military personnel and veterans took part in the traditional parade through the city, providing a moving reminder of the service and sacrifice of past and present members of the Armed Forces.

On Remembrance Sunday, Bishop joined faith leaders in Hales Barns, and during his deanery visit to Macclesfield, he marked the national Act of Remembrance at Macclesfield Town Hall, joining civic leaders, veterans and members of the local community for the two-minute silence.

Elsewhere, faith leaders took part in multi-faith commemorations, reflecting the shared commitment of communities to remembrance, reconciliation and peace. These included events in Hale and in the Cheadle, Gatley and district area, where people from different faith traditions gathered to honour those who have served and sacrificed.

Large civic ceremonies were also held across the region, including the annual remembrance event in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, where veterans, uniformed organisations, community representatives and residents came together in tribute.

We give thanks for all who have served, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and continue to pray for peace among the nations.