Thousands of people gathered in the sun at National Day of
Remembrance services across Sheffield on Sunday to remember those who have lost
their lives in armed conflict.
The
largest event was based around the war memorial at Barker’s Pool in the city
centre, where current and ex-servicemen joined with the public for the
traditional November 11 service.
The day
included the usual Remembrance Day parade, but the parade had to be diverted
due to a crime scene outside Lloyd’s Bar on Division Street. A 44-year-old man is critically ill in hospital after an altercation at the scene at
12.30am on Saturday night. The police
are appealing for witnesses.
The day’s
events included the laying of wreaths by local dignitaries and organisations,
including Lord Mayor Cllr. John Campbell and the Master Cutler.
There was
a two minute period of silence at 11am as the flag on the war
memorial was lowered to half mast. There followed a short service of prayers and the hymn ‘O God Our Help In Ages
Past’ and the National Anthem.
It was a
beautiful autumnal day in the Steel City and this made for an impressive
turnout – an estimated 3,000 people were at Barker’s Pool alone.
One group
of attendees were the Dennell family from Sheffield: Steven and Ian, with
father Graham.
Steven
Dennell said of the Remembrance tradition: “My Grandad was in World War One, so
it is especially important when there is a family connection.”
“Whether
you believe in war or not, there are still lads and lasses laying their lives
down.”
Ian
added: “It is not just about the World Wars either. The Falklands War was 30 years ago now and
there have been plenty of other conflicts where people have lost their lives.”
Ian and
Steven’s father, Graham echoed his sons words, but also offered some
constructive criticism to the organisers of the event.
“It would
have been good to have a commentary on what was going on and who was laying
wreaths,” said Mr Dennell.
“At one
point there was a long pause of silence [separate to the traditional two
minutes’ silence at 11am].”
“Because
there were so many people here, not everybody could get a good vantage point,
meaning not everybody could see what was going on. But it was good to see such a good turnout.”
by Stuart Hill
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