Hundreds fall silent as Carlisle pays respect on Remembrance Sunday

Local dignitaries, politicians, members of the armed forces, veterans and emergency service workers joined members of the public to mark this special day in the life of the city.

Remembrance Sunday falls on the nearest Sunday to Armistice Day on November 11 and is marked by wreath laying ceremonies and parades at war memorials across the country.

The parade lining up prior to setting off (Image: Carlisle Police)To begin the commemorations, a service was held at Carlisle Cathedral which was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott and the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Samantha Scott.

Alongside music from the choir, expertly directed and accompanied by Mark Duthie and Edward Taylor, a sermon was preached by Canon Benjamin Carter on the importance of falling silent on Remembrance Sunday.

Following the service, the choir, clergy, assembled dignitaries and the congregation processed to the war memorial for the solemn service of wreath laying.

Accompanied by Carlisle’s Salvation Army band, the service was led by the newly appointed dean of Carlisle Cathedral, the Very Reverend Jonathan Brewster, who gave a short address on the importance of remembrance.

Local dignitaries preparing for the wreath laying (Image: Isaac Cooper)At precisely 11 o’clock, a cornet player from the band expertly played the last post and the whole of the city centre observed a perfectly held two minutes silence.

Following prayers, members of the armed forces, veterans, and members of the public laid wreaths at the war memorial. The wreath laying was begun by the mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Abdul Hamid whilst Carlisle MP, John Stevenson and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Col Peter McCall also laid their wreaths.

Members of veterans’ associations and the Royal British Legion followed suit alongside naval, army and air cadets and the scouts and guides.

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After a rousing rendition of the national anthem, the assembled crowd dispersed into their normal routine.

John Stevenson MP said: “This Armistice Day I am remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, all those whose lives were never the same, and all those currently serving, so that we may have peace.”

Other parades and Remembrance Sunday events have been held across Cumbria including in Brampton and Workington.