The service will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councilor Richard Kemp CBE who will lay a wreath on behalf of the city of Liverpool as well as High Sheriff John Mohin and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Lesley Martin-Wright who will lay wreaths on behalf of his Majesty the King. Wreaths will also be laid by Liverpool BID Company and by ICA Managing Director Bill Kingdon on behalf of the association and its members. Liverpool Chamber of Commerce will also be in attendance.

The ‘Last Post’ bugle call will be played at the service which will be conducted by the Reverand Canon Bill Addy.

Commissioned in 1922 by the ICA, known then as the Liverpool Cotton Association, the statue of the Memorial Soldier was unveiled by Field Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde. The accompanying bronze plaque is dedicated to the 423 men from the Association who lost their lives during both World Wars.

“As we do each year, we remember all those who have fought and died in conflict, not least those from our city, our region and our sector” says Bill Kingdon (ICA Managing Director). “On this 80th anniversary of major events in 1944, in particular, we remember all those affected by the campaign in Italy that year; the tough fighting in Burma and at Kohima and Imphal; and Operations on D Day, and in September 1944

Operation Market Garden – both of these are personal to me, as my father was involved in the air campaign, dropping pathfinders and towing gliders into both operations. There were so many from the Northwest of England, from Liverpool and the cotton trade involved in these major world events. This region remains well represented in the Armed Forces, Reserves and Emergency Services. It is my strong belief that moments of reflection and remembrance remain important and relevant, in a world where conflict affects so many today.

The remembrance service is open to all those who wish to pay their respects to those who gave their lives in defense of liberty, and to acknowledge those serving officers active today in pursuit of the same.

The ICA works closely with local organisations to make sure our service is a fitting tribute to all those that have bravely fought and continue to fight for their country. They include The Lieutenancy of Merseyside, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Flags, the Kings Regiment and the Liverpool Pals Memorial Fund.

Find out more about the ICA at ica-ltd.org