Manchester residents remembered those lost in British conflicts today at the Manchester War Memorial Cenotaph at a moving two minutes silence.
This year marks 100 years since the poppy was taken up as a symbol of remembrance following the First World War.
‘The Last Post’ rung through St Peters Square alongside the sound of cannons going off in the distance to mark Armistice Day.
John Jinks, who served in the Royal Engineers 9th Regiment said at the Cenotaph today: “People died 100 years ago and they’re still dying now through suicide and old age.
“We need to remember because unfortunately it’s the politicians who start wars and its soldiers who have to put their lives on the line to stop them.
“Until the politicians who no doubt make millions of pounds on armaments that they sell to other people, the cost of war is phenomenal, not only in lives but in ammunitions and tanks.”
Reflecting on the sacrifices of the common soldier, a tearful Jinks added: “We’re fighting wars that should never have been fought.
“It’s not only about remembering people from wars and sometimes you think a little too much, but it’s also about remembering your mum and your dad, your gran and your grandad.”
Also attending the memorial service today was Andrew Pearce.
Pearce, who served in the Parachute Regiment forty years ago, now works for the Volition programme at Manchester Cathedral.
Reflecting on the importance of remembrance, he said: “There have been two world wars and there’s still stuff going on now. I don’t really think about why it’s importance, I just know we should remember.
“There’s young people here, ex-servicemen. It’s good to see everyone coming together and remembering.
“We’ve got to make sure conflicts don’t happen again.”
