The powerful sound of City Hall's bells echoed across Bradford during the two minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday.
The ceremony attracted a large crowd to City Park as the procession of cadets, political representatives, faith leaders, Girlguides and Scouts marched together as one.
A sea of people young and old filled part of the Mirror Pool, opposite a podium by Bradford & Keighley Magistrates’ Court's steps.
The Bishop of Bradford led prayers, concluding with: “We hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Give us perseverance in working for reconciliation within this broken and divided world, and grant us grace, that we might pray for our enemies and all who wish us harm.
“As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future, for you are the source of our life and hope, now and forever, Amen.”
It was a poignant moment not just in Bradford’s history, but the UK’s.
History was made when faith leaders of different backgrounds celebrated the sacrifices of those lost in the First and Second World Wars - across the commonwealth.
Prayers used in the funerals for Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, Hindu and Christian service women and men were read aloud, in their original languages.
It marked the first occurrence of this kind of multi-faith prayer in the nation’s history of Remembrance events, according to faith leaders.
People stood silently in the square, reflecting on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A series of poppy wreaths were left by the podium - from organisations like Windrush Generations UK and Bradford Hindu Council to civic leaders and members of the public.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem as the crowd sang the words ‘God save our gracious King’.
Reflecting on the service, Jim Greenlee, veteran and contingent commander for cadets at Bradford Grammar School, said: “I’ve come here today with the young people, who reflect the future, to remember the past.
“I was in the services, originally from Belfast in the dark days of Northern Ireland. We should always look to try achieve what we achieved there in peace reconciliation for the future and everybody to live as one community.”
It was a moment of pride not just for army and cadet representatives, but parents who watched their children take part in the parade.
Representatives from Bradford South Scouts, Bradford North Scouts, and West Yorkshire Scouts were in attendance.
It was a memorable moment for Matthew McGowan, who was recently named one of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets – the highest possible award for a cadet - in a special ceremony at Carlton Barracks, Leeds.
The Bradford Grammar School student said the crowd at this year’s service was much larger than previous years.
Speaking about his reflections during the two minutes of silence, he said: “It was very much remembering the fallen. I’ve had quite a few senior relatives who died in World War Two so it was just thinking back to them.”
Meanwhile two young members of the Royal British Legion proclaimed The Kohima Epitaph during the service, reading the words: “When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article