People in Kirklees are being encouraged to pay their respects to the armed forces and remember the fallen this Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The traditional Civic Remembrance Sunday parades will return in Huddersfield and Dewsbury followed by Services of Remembrance on 13 November.

Armistice Day commemorations, on 11 November, are being organised by individual organisations with people encouraged to observe the two-minute silence wherever they may be at 11am.

Kirklees Council Leader, Councillor Shabir Pandor said: “These two days are among the most significant in our diary every year.

“Not only is it the time when we come together to pay our respects to those in the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice, but it is also a vow that these heroes will not be forgotten.

“These men and women gave their lives for the freedoms we have today.

“It is also important to remember those who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces. That’s why I also encourage everyone to show their support by donating to this year’s Poppy Appeal.”

The Huddersfield Service of Remembrance will be held at Huddersfield Parish Church on Sunday 13 November at 10.50am, led by Reverend Canon Rachel Firth and attended by the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Masood Ahmed. The parade will start from Huddersfield Town Hall at 10.30am and will re-form after the service and return to the Town Hall.

The Deputy Mayor of Kirklees Councillor Cahal Burke will be the civic representative for the Dewsbury Service of Remembrance, which will be held in Dewsbury Minister on Sunday 13 November at 10.30am.  The parade will start from Dewsbury Town Hall at 10.20 am and will re-form after the service and return to the Memorial Gardens on Longcauseway for a wreath-laying service.

Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Masood Ahmed, said: “I am pleased that we will once again be able to invite people to the Civic Remembrance events in Kirklees, and welcome all to the services.

“Remembrance Sunday gives us all the opportunity to show our gratitude to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and also give thanks for those who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces.

“I know how important these events are to local people and encourage as many of you as possible to attend and pay your respects.”