At this time of year, thoughts turn to remembering all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives fighting or serving in the two World Wars and conflicts around the globe since.
Not just soldiers, sailors and airmen and women but the firefighters, the police officers, ambulance personnel and the many others that we remember on Remembrance Sunday, Lest We Forget…
As part of that Remembrance, schools around Irlam and Cadishead were delighted to welcome Sgt. Major Ricky Atkinson, a serving Royal Marine with 45 Commando based in Arbroath, and a staunch supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Remembrance not just on Sunday 9th November but every day…
Sgt. Major Atkinson is a Cadishead lad who attended both Cadishead Junior School and Irlam High School (now Irlam and Cadishead Academy), before joining the Marines after finishing his studies at Pendleton College in Salford.
With the support of the Irlam and Cadishead Poppy Appeal team he has been able to visit local schools as time has allowed, to talk about his life in the Marines and why he is passionate about Remembrance, as we approach the commemorations of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the guns felt silent…
Sgt Major Atkinson has for the past few years been an active member of the Irlam and Cadishead Poppy Appeal in his hometown, helping to organize the Remembrance Parade that last year was attended by around 2,000 people on Remembrance Sunday, as Parade Marshal and this year giving his time to visit local schools.
He said, “It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to visit the schools and talk about my twenty plus years in the Royal Marines and more importantly the Remembrance Commemorations at this time of year.”
Bill McLaughlin, Poppy Appeal Organiser added, “Sgt Major Atkinson has been brilliant with the young people. For the longevity of the Poppy Appeal, Remembrance Parade and raising funds for the RBL it is essential that young people get involved and support the annual commemorations.
We are very lucky in Irlam and Cadishead that so many young people join in the commemorations, with local junior football and rugby clubs along with the Sea Cadets, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scout all fantastically taking part. As do many families and individuals, service and ex-service personnel, all wearing their poppies with pride, and long may it continue.”
