Leeds commemorates Remembrance Day with tributes to fallen heroes

Marking the 106th Armistice, the people of Leeds gathered at the war memorial in Victoria Gardens to pay their respects to those who have sacrificed their lives in the armed forces across the ages.

The annual ceremony saw serving officers, veterans, councillors and members of the public join together to commemorate the occasion.

His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, said: "People gave their lives basically to defend the freedoms that we enjoy in this country and we must remember that. We're relying really on younger ones to keep that going long after we've going because it's so important."

At 11:00am the city fell silent, marking the exact moment when the conflict of World War I ended.

The ceremony was marked by a wreath-laying service, where councillors, members of the emergency services, the Royal British Legion, religious leaders and military representatives placed poppy wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph.

Among them was the Lord Mayor, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.

She said: "This is our history and that should always be taught. I really do hope that all schools, colleges, universities and the Poppy Appeal will continue to share the message of Remembrance Day and tell the younger ones that it's important. We will never forget our fallen heroes."

Kate Towns, Bombardier, said: "On Remembrance Sunday, everybody comes in, everybody gets together and unites under a shared identity and a shared belief so it really fosters a sense of belonging."

One onlooker said: "My husband served for nearly 35 years so it's really really important. We've lost a good few friends over the years."

The cenotaph continues to be a symbol of the city's gratitude to those who have served in conflicts, and this annual occasion continues to be a key date in Leeds' calendar.