Freemasons from the Ashton-under-Lyne district gathered at the town’s Memorial Gardens yesterday to pay their respects during the annual Remembrance Service, joining civic leaders and members of the public in commemorating the fallen.
This visible display served as a profound testament to the enduring link between civic duty, public service, and the organisation’s core values. WBro. Marchant, wearing his chain of office and police medals, underscored the lifelong commitment to community service held by many members of the fraternity, blending his professional history with his Masonic leadership.
“Remembrance is about honouring the past, but also actively inspiring future acts of service,” said the APGM. “To stand here today, wearing both the regalia of my Masonic office and the medals of my police service, symbolises the two pillars of my life: dedication to the community and respect for duty. We stand in solemn solidarity with our veterans and their families, remembering them all.”
The attendance of the local Freemasons underscores the organisation’s deep-rooted tradition of honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They joined community leaders in observing the silence and reaffirming their dedication to supporting local veteran charities and community initiatives across Tameside. It is not just a remembrance of the past; it also serves as a tribute to those who are serving their country now and those who will do so in the future. The large number of young cadets who played a pivotal role in both the service at Ashton Parish Church and the Memorial Gardens will include many who will take on a more significant role in serving their country in the future.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-political, non-religious, fraternal and charitable organisations. It is founded on the core values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Charity. Locally, members raise millions for charitable causes and are deeply involved in supporting their communities.
WBro Ron Kershaw, wearing his St John’s Ambulance uniform and his masonic collar, also attended the services at: The Parish Church, The Memorial Gardens and Waterloo and Taunton memorial. Ron has been involved with the Royal British Legion for many years, regularly running a poppy stall in the town centre. Due to health reasons, Ron was unable to man the stall this year, but it was still manned by volunteers, including personal friends and his grandson Arron.
The APGM is also actively involved with SSAFA, another charitable organisation for which Remembrance Day is a significant event. SSAFA dates back to 1885 when Major Gildea founded the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association. Its present name evolved with the founding of the RAF in 1918, when the then president Queen Alexandra suggested the organisation should change its name to the Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association. The British Legion and SSAFA are both Members of Cobesco, the Confederation of Service Charities.
Further information on getting more involved in the organisations mentioned in this article can be found by following the links below. For more information on Freemasonry, return to the home page of this website.
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/how-you-can-help
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/greater-manchester