Thousands expected in Liverpool for Remembrance Sunday service
The service is taking place on the plateau at St George's Hall
Thousands of people are expected to gather on Lime Street in Liverpool to pay tribute to those who have served to protect our freedoms.
This year's Remembrance Sunday service, which takes place on the plateau at St George's Hall, has the theme 'Liverpool Remembers'.
The Band of Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and The Pipes and Drums of the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association will play from 10:40am and there will be readings and prayers from the Bishop of Liverpool and the Archbishop of Liverpool.
This year's guest speaker is Tracy Dunn-Bridgeman - she lost her son, Kingsman Jason Dunn-Bridgeman, in the war in Afghanistan in 2009. Tracy was later presented with Merseyside's first Elizabeth Cross in honour of her son's bravery.
Military veteran and author Deb Mills-Burns, who is part of Everton in the Community's 'Stand By Her' programme, will read a poignant poem she has written called 'My Liverpool Home'.
'Stand By Her' was designed to support female veterans - by giving them the opportunity to reconnect socially and improve their physical health through sport.
Following the two-minute silence at 11am and the traditional wreath-laying and service, the parade will march to salute the Cenotaph.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Mary Rasmussen, said:
"Our annual Remembrance Sunday service is a poignant event that gives the whole city the opportunity to come together and pay tribute to those who have served to protect and uphold the freedom we have today.
"This year, we wanted the service to also reflect the important and vital contribution that women make to the Armed Forces, in keeping our nation safe.
“The sacrifices made by those, past and present, who serve and have served, must never be forgotten."
Deb Mills-Burns, from Everton in the Community's 'Stand By Her' programme, said:
"I’m immensely proud to be here today as a representation of all ex-servicewomen.
“To serve was an honour, but to serve amongst other strong and inspirational women was empowering.
“As a member of the Stand By Her programme at Everton in the Community, I have been able to reconnect and resurrect the strengths and confidence to stand in front of you all here today."
A Remembrance football tournament was held at The People's Hub earlier this week to honour the fallen and recognise the hard work and achievements of those on Everton in the Community's veterans' programmes.
Everton women's midfielder Lucy Hope attended to hand out medals and meet ex-servicewomen.
She said:
"I’m so glad I had the opportunity to come down, it’s been hugely inspiring meeting the veterans. They’re all from different backgrounds and walks of life but football has brought them together to celebrate such a great cause.
"The fact that the Stand By Her programme has only been running since May and they’ve been able to field a team for the tournament and go toe-to-toe with the men’s team is incredible, it was really humbling to watch them.
"Football in general is very much a male-dominated environment and it’s the same for the military, so for the charity to create a programme solely dedicated to female veterans is life-changing and so empowering for that community."
Everton in the Community's Veterans Coordinator, Nikki McGee, said:
"Remembrance is a special occasion in the calendar for our veterans’ programmes every year. We take a step back and come together to honour those servicemen and women that are with us and those who have sadly passed away.
"Lucy visiting us and spending time with the participants today, hearing about their lived experiences has meant so much to them all – especially for the Evertonians in the group. It was another uplifting event in a week full of Remembrance activities which recognised their hard work and achievements, and that’s what it’s all about."