Salvation Army joins Manchester Airport’s Festival of Remembrance under Concorde’s wings
published on 9 Nov 2018
To mark one hundred years since the end of the First World War, The Salvation Army took part in a special Festival of Remembrance in the hangar underneath Concorde at Manchester Airport’s Visitor Centre on Thursday, 8 November.
Major Ian Field, Salvation Army Chaplain at Manchester Airport joined other spiritual leaders and a specially invited audience comprised of veterans; the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and civic representatives from Greater Manchester and Cheshire; including the mayors and consorts of the Manchester Boroughs.
Major David Taylor, the newly-appointed Divisional Leader of The Salvation Army in the Central North Division also attended the multi-faith service.
The evening festival saw presentations and displays by Stockport Sea Cadets, 145 (Altrincham & Hale), RAF Cadets and 162 (Stockport) Squadron RAF Cadets Band.
The Stockport Salvation Army Band and Airport Choir also supported the occasion, providing music for the massed singing.
Organised by the Manchester Airport Chaplaincy, the Festival of Remembrance and memorial service was followed by an outdoor service this morning (Friday, 9 November) at Manchester Airport’s Memorial Ground.
Major Ian Field, Salvation Army Chaplain at Manchester Airport said:
“Remembrance services at the airport are always very moving but this one was even more poignant, it being the centenary year of the Armistice. I was honoured to take part on behalf of The Salvation Army to show our unending gratitude to the brave army personnel who lay down their lives for us all in World War I and in subsequent military actions around the world.”
The Rev'd. George Lane, coordinating chaplain said:
“Though Manchester Airport didn’t exist 100 years ago, the Salvation Army had been engaged in its great work around the world for more than 50 years as the Armistice was signed, and military chaplains were supporting, helping and guiding young men, caught up in the horrors of war.
“In happier times, Manchester Airport connects the communities of the North of England, Wales and Scotland with the world, and the partnership between the airport, the Salvation Army, other Christian churches and diverse faith groups, through the chaplaincy, ensures that vulnerable families and individuals, often escaping violence, exploitation and coercion are cared for and helped towards being able to rebuild their lives.”
The Festival of Remembrance took place on Thursday, 8 November at Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park. It was followed by a memorial service at 11am on Friday, 9 November.
The Salvation Army is part of a multi-faith chaplaincy team based at Manchester Airport which provides pastoral and spiritual care for airline passengers and staff.