Members' pride at laying wreaths at Service of Remembrance
17 November 2023
West Midlands Police Federation members have spoken of their pride at laying wreaths on behalf of the Force at Coventry’s Service of Remembrance.
Temporary Superintendent Daryl Lyon described representing West Midlands Police at the ceremony as a highlight of his recent career.
Special Inspector Mike Synnott, meanwhile, said it was a privilege to be part of the service on behalf of the Force and its Special Constabulary.
Daryl said: “It was a massive privilege to be part of the service and to be able to go and lay the wreath.
“It’s the highlight of my last few years to be able to do it on behalf of Coventry police and the Force as a whole.”
Mike said: “It was a really proud moment for me.
“I was proud to be in uniform, representing the West Midlands Police and the Special Constabulary and to have that opportunity to think about the people who gave their lives for the freedoms we have today.”
Thousands of people lined the streets to watch this year’s Remembrance Day parade in Coventry, which finished at the war memorial in the city’s War Memorial Park.
Mike said: “There was a fantastic turnout despite the rain from the people of Coventry, to pause for a minute and think about the people who are no longer with us.
Temporary Superintendent Daryl Lyon (right) with Special Inspector Mike Synnott.
“Lots of people have a connection with the forces. For instance, my father was in the RAF and served in Japan and India.
“It’s a really important day for everyone in Coventry, and indeed the country.
“And then on 14 November it’s the anniversary of the Blitz as well, which is a big part of the city’s history.
“There were Specials on duty in the city during the Blitz. There’s a lot of history and I’m keen to keep that tradition, not only from West Midlands Police but also from the Specials.”
Mike has been attending the service or working at it since he started in the Specials 34 years ago. This year was the sixth time he’s laid a wreath.
“I’ve attended as an officer and been part of the parades,” he said.” I’ve done some of the operational stuff around it, such as road closures.
“It’s an important part of the calendar, and I’ll continue to attend when I’m no longer a serving Special.”
Daryl said it was a poignant service, not least because of Coventry’s Second World War history.
“Coventry still wears the scars of the World War II with the Old Cathedral, and it’s recognised as a city of peace and reconciliation,” he said.
“I think the city’s history adds even more poignance to the service, which was so well put together and so well attended.
“It was a fitting way to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives,” he added.
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