Crowds gathered alongside members of the Royal British Legion in the city centre this morning to proudly honour their war heroes at this year’s Armistice Day service.
Held in Market Square, the service began at 10:45am, led by Reverend Canon Karen Rooms of Leicester Cathedral. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Stephen Corrall, made a speech before a bugle sounded the Last Post, marking the start of an emotional two minute silence.
The bugler then played Reveille before the Reverend Canon led the assembly in prayer and gave blessing.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Corrall, said: “I was very privileged to have been present at this morning’s Armistice Day service at Leicester Market and was encouraged to see it so well supported by local people.”
Also in attendance were City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and Leicester South MP John Ashworth.
Elsewhere across the county, towns and boroughs paid their own tribute in a number of public services. Melton marked the two minute silence in front of the Royal British Legion headquarters in Thorpe End, whilst Loughborough stood still beside the Carillon Tower in Queen’s Park.
An Armistice Day wreath laying also took place in Welland Park and The Square in Market Harborough.
The city’s annual Remembrance Day service will take place this Sunday, 13th November, at the Victoria Park war memorial. Local civic dignitaries, military veterans and members of the public will make up an expected gathering of 4,000 people.
Setting off from De Montfort Hall, the annual parade will make its way to the park for the service, led by the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Martyn Snow. Members of the public are kindly asked to be on site by 10:40am, for the service to begin at 10:55am.
The two minute silence will be marked by the firing of maroons, with wreath laying led by Councillor Corrall and the Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Colonel Richard Hurwood. Members of the public will be invited to lay their own wreaths at the end of the service.
Councillor Corrall added: “Our service of remembrance on Sunday will be an opportunity to recognise and remember the sacrifices made on our behalf in conflicts across the world, and we expect to see a large number of people paying their respects.”
Remembrance services across the country will take on added significance this year as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
By Jennifer Morris
