Day of Reflection On Anniversary of First National Lockdown
On the anniversary of the first national lockdown, a national day of reflection is being held today. The day of reflection provides an opportunity for people to remember we’ve lost and people who have struggled through a year.
For the national reflection day, a minute’s silence will be at noon. A second minute’s silence will be at 8 pm. During the silence period, people will stand outside with lights to remember someone who’s died and to support people who struggled during the year.
Manchester Cathedral is holding a special memorial service that a pre-recorded video will be released on its Facebook page at 11.35 am. These local churches will be open today for the reflection day:
- St Ann’s, Belfield, Rochdale, OL16 5BT 10 am to 12 noon
- St Andrew’s Church, Dearnley, OL15 8NJ 10 am to 12 noon
- Christ Church, Healey, Rochdale, OL12 6EF 1 pm to 3 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service firefighters will take part by lowering the flags outside their stations on the reflection day.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham recorded a video message that will be shared during the broadcast of the cathedral service. In the message, he will say broadcast as part of the cathedral service. He will say: “So many people have lost their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbours and work colleagues.”
“On behalf of everyone in Greater Manchester I want to thank our public services, our businesses, our voluntary, community, and faith organisations who have made a massive contribution and provided support to those who grieve, those who suffer, and everybody who has been harmed by the pandemic.”
