THROUGH your newspaper, I would like to applaud those who attended the Service of Remembrance held in Sale town centre on Sunday.

Record numbers were present to remember the service men and women who over the years paid the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars, the Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts so that we can live in freedom.

Few people can recall the last time it rained in Sale on Remembrance Sunday and this year was no exception and people started to congregate from 10am obviously intent to have a clear view of the War Memorial and be very much a part of the service.

At 11am young people were standing shoulder to shoulder with their elders, with many of the former soldiers plus widows proudly wearing campaign medals.

The parade itself which was larger than in previous years was led by ex-servicemen who marched proudly despite their years.

The silence was awesome and sombre as there was not a murmur, despite the huge crowd, to detract from the quiet of the moment.

Perhaps the only movement was to wipe away a tear as people remembered loved ones and obviously still felt the pain.

This service was again a wonderful demonstration of unity by the people of Sale – people who really cared and remembered.

Cllr Brian D Rigby MBE