In advance of a national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICA and Liverpool BID Company held a small, socially-distanced remembrance service on Liverpool’s historic Exchange Flags on Friday 30th October.
This year’s service was held on a massively reduced scale in order to comply with current COVID-19 restrictions. Wreaths were laid by ICA Managing Director, Bill Kingdon on behalf of the association and its members and also by The Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, Rector of Liverpool Parish Church on behalf of the Parish of Liverpool. The service was conducted by the Reverend Bill Addy, Assistant Priest at Liverpool Parish Church and CEO of Liverpool BID Company.
Commissioned in 1922 by the ICA, known then as the Liverpool Cotton Association, the statue of the Memorial Soldier was unveiled by Field Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde. The accompanying bronze plaque is dedicated to the 423 men from the Association who lost their lives during both World Wars.
“We remember all those who have fought and died in conflict, and specifically those from this region and from the Cotton trade.” says Bill Kingdon, ICA Managing Director. “This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War 2. We are sad not to be able to join together to mark this anniversary and our acts of respect and remembrance this year will be personal and private. Many from the North West of England, from Liverpool and the Cotton trade volunteered during major international conflicts and continue to do so. We pay tribute to their service.”
The remembrance service is traditionally open to all those who wish to pay their respects to those who gave their lives in defence of liberty, and to acknowledge those serving officers active today in pursuit of the same. It is planned that next year’s service will resume normal proceedings and be open to all.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit Culture Liverpool’s digital memory wall to contribute their memories, photos and stories of those who have died during times of conflict, served in the military or support services.
Anyone who wishes to comment in the ‘Thank You’ book held within the Liverpool Hall of Remembrance, can email their message to town.hall@liverpool.gov.uk and can also search for relative’s names who served during World War One on the Roll of Honour here >
The ICA works closely with local organisations to make sure our service is a fitting tribute to all those that have bravely fought and continue to fight for their country. They include The Lieutenancy of Merseyside, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Flags, the Kings Regiment and the Liverpool Pals Memorial Fund.
