Two minute silence to remember the war dead

Date published: 05/11/2008

People in Rochdale can pay their respects to those who lost their lives in past wars by taking part in a two minute silence on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, which falls next Tuesday.

11am on 11 November marks the date that the First World War ended.

The Mayor, Councillor Robin Parker said: "We have arranged for the maroons to be fired at 11am on Tuesday 11 November as a mark of respect for those who sacrificed their lives in the First World War and other conflicts.”

Maroons will be fired from the grounds of the parish church by the Town Hall to mark the beginning and end of the silence.

“It is an important act…a rare moment when everyone can stand together and reflect on the price of freedom," said the Mayor. "If we are to maintain our peace and freedom, we must always remember.”

It is hoped that everyone in Rochdale will hear the shots, which will have a range of three miles.