ABOUT 1,000 people filled Royton Park for the poignant annual Remembrance Day event organised by the Royton Branch of the Royal British Legion.
1855 Royton Air Cadets led the parade from Radcliffe Street to the park on Sunday, November 10.
Special guests, local groups and organisations and the public gathered by the war memorial for the service, opened by Squadron Leader Mark Hamilton.
He said: “It never ceases to amaze me how many people turn up for this event each year.”
Father Graham Hollowood from St Paul’s Church led the prayers and there were also readings and hymns, accompanied by Boarshurst Silver Band.
There was the traditional Act of Remembrance including Last Post and two minutes’ silence before wreaths were laid at the war memorial by the RBL and this year’s Poppy Princess Millie Hardaker alongside grandfather Major Eddy Hardaker.
Wreaths were also placed by the cadets, Andrea Pavitt whose husband Sergeant Michael Pavitt died in 2010, the police and other local groups and organisations.
Carl Holly, president of the Royton branch of the RBL, recalled the bravery of Sergeant John Hogan, from Heyside, who was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross and has a commemorative stone in Royton Park.
In 1914, Sergeant Hogan’s trench was taken by the Germans and after several failed attempts to recapture it, him and one other man took the Germans on with great bravery and won.
Mr Holly said: “There are many other stories of heroes told and untold and we must remember them. It is fantastic to see so many people here today to do that.”