TAMESIDE fell silent as the borough honoured those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts around the world in moving ceremonies.
Services were held across the area as the nation remembered its fallen, both on Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12.
In Stalybridge, former servicemen and women, councillors and members of the public gathered around the memorial in the town centre to show their respects on Armistice Day.
Wreaths were laid as the Royal British Legion, through Stalybridge and Dukinfield branch chairman Peter Edwards, made sure courage in battle was given the honour it deserves.
Silences at both occasions were started and finished by the playing of The Last Post and Reveille.
Wreaths made by children at the town’s Sunflower Day Nursery and Grow Happy Childcare adorned the memorial, along with personal crosses and messages dedicated to those who gave their life for their country.
The ‘missing men of Stalybridge’ – whose names are not included on the monument – were also honoured.
And the Turning of the Page ceremony took place at the nearby library, where the book of remembrance is stored and many gave witness to the precious document.
The Rev Eddy Inglis, of Dukinfield Congregational Church and chaplain of Tameside’s Willow Wood Hospice, led the Remembrance Sunday proceedings following a parade led by Stalybridge Old Band.
The town’s MP, Jonathan Reynolds, was among those to lay a wreath – as did Angela Rayner in Ashton, Andrew Gwynne in Denton and local representatives in their towns.
Schools, along with church and community groups, including the Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies, joined veterans and cadets in huge gatherings.
Members of the public also paid their respects as the rain came down in dignified scenes in Tameside’s towns.
