Remembrance Sunday: Thousands attend poignant Dudley ceremony to remember the fallen
Dudley was filled with sombre faces as thousands of people lined the streets to take part in remembering those who gave and continue to give their lives for the country.
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Thousands of people braved the cold weather to join civic leaders, military organisations and uniformed life-saving services in an organised parade through the town centre that culminated in a Remembrance service at the cenotaph in Dudley's Coronation Gardens.
The parade this year was led by members of B Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry, who marched the parade of uniformed personnel from the start location of Top Church, passing the First World War memorial on Priory Street before ending their route at the cenotaph on Ednam Road.
Veterans, military personnel, Cadets, Guides and Scouts joined the parade accompanied by the 24th Invicta Rifles Military Marching Band.
The event concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony, where former and current services members, civic dignitaries, military charities and local businesses all left circles of poppies to pay their respects to the fallen.
The day's services were led by Reverend James Treasure, who led hymns and words of prayer, accompanied by the Mayor of Dudley Hilary Bills, Deputy Lieutenant Richard Boot OBE, and the interim chief executive of the council.
Councillor Bills said: "It has been a true honour and a privilege to represent Dudley borough at today's Remembrance Sunday service.
"This solemn occasion reminds us all to pause and reflect on the immense sacrifices that our armed forces have made for our country, including the courageous men and women who are serving today.
"We vow never to forget those who have lost their lives in the defence of our rights and freedoms. I thank all of our guests and Dudley residents for joining us in paying their respects."
Tomorrow's Armistice Day commemoration is set to take place at 10.55am at the First World WaR Clock Tower Memorial at Priory Street.
Jayne Groves, 36, and of Dudley, said: "It's been good to see so many people out here taking part in the Remembrance Day services.
"I think it's very important to remember those who have and still continue to give their lives to help keep the country safe, either at home or overseas. We don't remember them often enough."
The ceremony tomorrow will see veterans join elected members, council staff and members of the public to lay wreaths and observe a two-minute silence in memory of the end of the First World War.
Gary Bryce, 56, whose grandfather was an engineer in the war, said: "Holding these silences is very important.
"It shows solidarity between the families of past and active service members and also shows that the public remembers their sacrifices. If my grandfather was looking down on us now, he would be extremely proud of seeing everyone brought together like this."
The event tomorrow will see Priory Street closed between 10.30am to 11.30am, with a diversion route put into place.
Residents have been invited to place a poppy at the special 'Cross of Remembrance' which is due to stay in Market Place, Dudley, until Friday, November 22.
