Carlisle remembers the fallen during Armistice Day

As the bells chimed at 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the city centre stood for a two-minute silence during a Remembrance service held at the Greenmarket.

The Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Pamela Birks joined veterans and local school children at the City War Memorial to mark the two minutes’ silence for Armistice Day.

Before the two-minute silence, school children sang the Vera Lynn song ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘We Will Remember Them’ after the procession arrived at the Memorial.

Sharing her delight over the children’s contribution, Cllr Birks said: “It was absolutely wonderful to have so many school children attend the service. Pupils from all over the Carlisle district played their part.

“They laid wreaths which they made themselves which was amazing. They have been learning at school about the Wars and Armistice Day and it is good to know that we are passing on to the youth that it isn’t always about fighting, but about conflicts that still happen, as we have recently seen with helping refugees relocate.”

Continuing to highlight the children’s interest in the day, Cllr Birks said: “They also took the time to speak to the veterans that took part in the service and they were fully engaged in conversation and asking questions about the Wars.

“It’s good to see that people don’t see the day as a historic feat, but as a way of looking to a peaceful future.

"The schoolkids were told to speak to their grandparents who may have served and it was incredible to see them joining in and saying their prayers.

"It brought a tear to your eye.”

Later in the day, Mayor Birks was joined by a smaller number of the public for a short service to lay Poppy Crosses on War Graves in Carlisle Cemetery.

The service was the culmination of the laying of over 200 crosses on every War Grave in the cemetery and a total of 400 in the various cemeteries in Carlisle.

BOW: Mayor Birks lays a wreath

Discussing the afternoon service, Cllr Birks continued: “It was a much different service with a group of other veterans who didn’t feature in the morning service.

"Included in the group was one veteran who had recently retired from her post, where she served in conflicts in Afghanistan, Georgia and Northern Ireland.

“Placing the wreath by the War Graves and you see the number of people who lost their lives during the conflicts and it is astounding to see how many families in the city were affected.

“I was happy to see how well observed both services were by people from the city of Carlisle.

"It is very important that we remember those who lost their lives in order for future generations to live in peace.”

Elsewhere in the city, Stanwix School pupils designed a poppy display across their school gates to remember the fallen.

Organised by Ikil Fedder and with the assistance of Councillor and Military Champion Elizabeth Mallinson, the display featured large poppies as well as paintings all designed by pupils of the school.

Remembrance services are set to take place in Carlisle over the rest of the week.

On Remembrance Sunday, Cllr Birks will lead the Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, when the two minutes’ silence will be observed, and a wreath will be laid by the Mayor.

Former servicemen and women are invited to form up at Paternoster Row at 10.30am ready to march to the War Memorial in Greenmarket for the service.

Those wishing to lay wreaths should report to the Crown and Mitre at 10.15am.

Elsewhere in the city, the Chair of Cumbria County Council, Cllr Tony Markley will join the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and other dignitaries including the Mayor to attend a County Remembrance Service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph at Rickerby Park.

This service is organised by The Royal British Legion (Cumberland and Westmorland County Branch) and Cumbria County Council.