Salford’s Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Heather Fletcher, took part in the Swinton Armistice Day Service this morning and described how proud she was to do so.
Salford City Council have hosted a number of services today to commemorate Remembrance Day, one of which took place at Swinton Cenotaph and included readings from Salford’s Ceremonial Mayor.
The service brought her a sense of pride as she finally got to speak the words “and when you go home, tell them, for your tomorrow we gave our today”, which she feels honoured her grandfather, Percy, who served in the Second World War.
Remembrance Day serves as both a reminder and an opportunity for people to commemorate those who served in both the First World War and the Second World War, as well as all men and women who have served in the military since.
This purpose resonated with Councillor Fletcher during the service as her grandfather’s memory was brought back to her.
“Looking at the Cenotaph just now, I had the visions of the photo I’ve seen of him, where he was in the brown uniform. I think it was brown and black and white, and with the black cap, it was army. And I can visualise that. And I now regret not asking him more about his army days.”
The day holds a personal connection for Councillor Fletcher due to her grandfather’s service. She recounted how “he was an army driver, but he drove all around Belgium with whatever the army wanted.
“I don’t think he actually fought on the front line, but he certainly was there from the day war began until it finished – so that’s almost six years. And he left my grandmother at home with my mum, who was, she was four and my uncle was one.
“And my grandmother had to manage throughout the war without him. So she, from being, you know, a young person, younger than you, I was brought up with, oh, you know, Grandpa Percy, he was in the army. And in fact, I used to call this day Grandpa Percy’s Day.”
She also spoke on why Remembrance Day is still important, more than a century after the end of the First World War, a sentiment which she believes is perfectly summarised in the words she spoke, “for your tomorrow we gave our today”.
“If they hadn’t fought for the country, well, we wouldn’t be here.
“I certainly wouldn’t be here because my family’s of Jewish heritage. So if the Germans had taken over this country, I wouldn’t have existed, for starters. Because my mother’s family would have been killed.
“And I think it is just that sentiment of just, it’s such a grand occasion. It’s important for everyone, irrespective of faith, religion.”