Remembrance Sunday - 11th of November, 2012

On Sunday the 11th of November, the people of Birmingham remembered the dead of the two World Wars and of the more recent conflicts at the annual service which took place in Centenary Square. The service was led by the Reverend Victor Van Den Bergh.

In attendance were the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Cllr John Lines, with Lady Mayoress Kathleen Lines, Commander Stidston  Royal Navy, Brigadier Wheeler CBE Army and Wing Commander Tomlinson Royal Air Force. Hundreds of servicemen, reserves and cadets were on parade and representatives of various Royal British Legion associations and veterans took part in what was their day. 

The Salvation Army Band, The West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band and The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band provided the music, and soldiers of 37 Signal Regiment fired rifles to mark the beginning and end of the 2 minutes silence.

The Salvation Army Band march into Centenary Square and play music before the arrival of the servicemen.

The arrival of The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band.

My view of the proceedings...

....fortunately large television screens relayed the service and wreath-laying to those watching from the rear.

Members of the armed forces start to lead out the dignitaries.

The Lord Mayor Cllr John Lines with the Lady Mayoress

Kathleen Lines.

The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band lead out the military contingents.

The Royal British Legion Associations and standards.

The West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band, having led in the military contingents, are the last to leave.

The wreaths.

Standards assembled outside the Hall of Memory.

The public lay their crosses outside the Hall of Memory.