Hundreds of people from across the borough joined civic dignitaries on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Members of the Royal British Legion with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council hosted a series of events over the weekend.
Ahead of Remembrance Day which this year falls on Wednesday, on Sunday the town came together to honour the armed forces members of all backgrounds who have died in the line of duty.
A service was held at Blackburn Cathedral before a parade headed through the town centre and on to King William Street and Preston New Road.
Outside the town hall the Mayor of Blackburn Cllr Mahfooz Hussain was joined by the council leader Cllr Phil Riley, Chief Executive Denise Park and Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain at a podium as the parade made its way through the town.
At Corporation Park a wreath-laying service was attended by residents from across the borough and members of the armed forces and veterans. Here, representatives of the High Sheriff of Lancashire, members of Lancashire Constabularly, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and local organisations laid wreaths.
In Darwen a United Service of Remembrance was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in Bold Venture Park.
Newly appointed RBL Blackburn Branch President, Neil Shorrock said: “We remember not only those who never returned home, but also those who returned forever changed by the horrors of conflict, and the families who have carried the pain of their loss through generations.
“Remembrance is not simply about looking back at history. It is about ensuring that the sacrifices made by so many are never forgotten, that their stories continue to be told, and that future generations understand the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy.
“As we stand together in silence at 11am, let us remember that behind every name on a memorial was a person, a family, a life and a future that was sacrificed.”
Cllr Riley said: “Remembrance gives us the opportunity to pause and remember those who served and those who gave their lives in conflicts past and present."
Adnan Hussain MP for Blackburn said: "It was a privilege to attend this morning’s Remembrance Sunday service. The event was very well organised and a credit to everyone involved.
"These occasions are an important part of our civic life. They bring people together, from all backgrounds and walks of life, united in remembrance and respect. They also reflect the pride, community spirit and shared values that make Blackburn what it is.
"My thanks to all those who worked hard to organise the service and ensure that we continue to honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives."
Earlier, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community when Chief Executive Denise Park signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Council.
By signing the Covenant, the Council pledged to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families, recognising the valuable contribution they make to the borough and to the country.
The council’s Armed Forces Champions Cllr Tony Humphrys and Cllr John Slater said: “We commit to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces community. We recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country.”
On Monday, the Mayor’s Remembrance Concert will take place at King George’s Hall from 6.30pm
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