Remembrance Sunday: Black Country and Staffordshire pay tribute to fallen heroes - with PICTURES and VIDEO
"We will remember them."
People paid tribute to our fallen heroes at Remembrance Sunday services across the Black Country and Staffordshire.
Poppy wreaths were laid as rays of sunshine reached through on the frosty morning as the West Midlands fell silent.
People from all faiths and backgrounds came together to pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives and honouring those in the Armed Forces today.
The services marked the 100th anniversary of the 1919 Peace Treaty, the 80th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, and 75 years since the D-Day landings took place.
GALLERY: Crowds line parade route in Wolverhampton
A parade in Wolverhampton saw representatives from the 4th Battalion the Mercian Regiment, RAF Cosford, HMS Forward, 210 Battery, 103 Regiment Royal Artillery, cadets and veterans, come together to start the city's Remembrance Sunday tribute.
It headed through Princes Square, into Lichfield Street, Queen Square, Exchange Street and into St Peter's Square where a two-minutes silence was held.
A service at the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford began at 10.45am and featured the Cosford Military Wives Choir and a sounding of The Last Post.
In pictures: The Wolverhampton service
Hundreds of people turned out for the service, wearing hats and gloves, to pay tribute – singing along to the National Anthem as it was played, with standard-bearers lowering their flags before raising them.
Wreaths were laid by Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Claire Darke, along with representatives from RAF Cosford and Wolverhampton Wanderers among others.
Among those paying their respects was 95-year-old veteran William Harry Busby, from Wednesfield.
GALLERY: Dudley remembers
Crowds of people joined Dudley's commemorative event, with a parade of servicemen and women – along with community groups – taking to the streets, before finishing in Ednam Road by the cenotaph.
It formed part of tributes held across the borough by different groups in places such as Stourbridge, Halesowen, Coseley, Cradley, Gornal, Kingswinford, Lye, Netherton, Quarry Bank, Sedgley, Wall Heath and Wordsley.
Mayor of Dudley Councillor David Stanley led a service at the Coronation Gardens in Dudley, with the Quarry Bank-based choir Colla Voce taking part.
Councillor Stanley said: "It was wonderful to see such a great turnout as we remembered those who fought for our freedom.
"It was a privilege to be part of the commemorations and I’d like to thank everyone who came along today to show their support and pay their respects.
"It’s so important to remember the sacrifices made by so many, but we’ve also had time to think about all those who continue to serve in our armed forces today.
The service was attended by Mr John Crabtree OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands
Tomorrow veterans will also join council staff, councillors and members of the public at the First World War Clock Tower Memorial in Priory Street for the annual Armistice Day to mark the end of the First World War service.
The service starts at 10.50am and includes the laying of wreaths and a two minute silence.
Priory Street will be closed on the morning and alternative routes will be signposted throughout the closures from 8am to 1pm.
Sandwell
Remembrance services and parades took place throughout Sandwell, with crowds of people joining events in West Bromwich, Tipton, Rowley Regis, Wednesbury, Oldbury and Smethwick – and Great Barr.
Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Ann Jaron, said: "It’s so important to remember the sacrifices made by people in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts."
Councillor Steve Melia, chair of the Sandwell Armed Forces and Veterans Parades' Committee, said: “These parades and services are important as we commemorate wars from the past and show our support for our armed forces.”
And a parade carried people along High Bullen and Walsall Street into Wednesbury for the town's commemoration service.
Walsall
Families gathered across Walsall for a number of wreath-laying ceremonies across the borough, with services in Walsall town centre, Brownhills, Aldridge, Willenhall, Short Heath and other areas.
People lined the streets of Walsall as the parade made its way through the town centre.
Walsall Police tweeted: "Great to see the local community coming together."
Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Paul Bott, said: "Every year, on Remembrance Sunday, we take time to dedicate those that have died in service or continue to represent our country in the armed forces.
"It is an opportunity for the Walsall community to unite and to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Staffordshire
Visitors came together in Staffordshire with a parade to Cannock's cenotaph, with another taking place at Stafford's war memorial and in Hednesford.
Staffordshire's National Memorial Arboretum also hosted an open-air service of remembrance at the base of the Armed Forces Memorial, with a poignant field of remembrance being showcased.
Rows and rows of tributes with poppies, messages and photographs, were on display to mark the commemoration.
Elsewhere, members of the community poured out in Bridgnorth for a memorial at Castle Grounds, before a service was held at St Leonard's Church.
Another saw Dutch soldiers, who were stationed at Wrottesley Park during the Second World War, remembered at the annual Dutch War Graves Service of Remembrance in Wolverhampton.
