Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham will join with faith and community leaders in marking the National Day of Reflection tomorrow (Tuesday 23 March), on the anniversary of the first national lockdown.
The first anniversary will be a difficult time for many, especially for those who have lost loved ones. The National Day of Reflection, led by end of life charity Marie Curie, will provide an opportunity for people to remember those we’ve lost and those who have struggled through a year of several lockdowns and various restrictions on our day to day lives.
The Mayor is lending his support to the National Day of Reflection and this includes taking part in Manchester Cathedral’s special memorial service through a pre-recorded video which will be live streamed on its Facebook page from around 11.35 am, in time to finish for the minute’s silence at 12pm, midday.
As well as this, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service firefighters will also be taking part by lowering the flags outside their stations for the day, as a mark of respect and condolence to those who have died.
Staff who work for Greater Manchester Combined Authority will be invited, if they wish, to take part in the planned one minute’s silence.
In his video message Mayor Andy Burnham will say: “So many people have lost their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends and neighbours and work colleagues.
“And sadly, grieving, mourning and providing comfort has been so much harder during these times, with restrictions on funeral gatherings and people coming together.
“However, our families and communities have been there for each other and have provided much needed support over the last 12 months.
“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.”
