Remembrance: Poignant services to be held across Yorkshire
Poignant Remembrance services are to be held across Yorkshire with poppy wreaths to be laid in honour of the sacrifice and selfless duty of all who have served.
The special service, traditionally held on the second Sunday in November, was originally instituted for those lost in the First World War but is now extended to all conflicts since.
Bradford, Leeds, York and Sheffield are among the county’s biggest cities to pause in reflection as civic and faith leaders lead prayers and poems of Remembrance.
Coun Karl Johnson, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We must always remember those who have made huge sacrifices for our country and those who continue to do so.”
And Wakefield Mayor, Coun Brian Moorhouse, said: “The Festival of Remembrance is an important occasion for us all to come together and ensure that the contributions of past and present personnel in our Armed Forces are always remembered.”
In Bradford, the Act of Remembrance is to be held tomorrow (Sunday) at the city’s war memorial, with a parade from Centenary Square gathering at 10.15am.
A second ceremony on Armistice Day, November 11 at 11am, will be attended by the Lord Mayor, Coun Chris Herd, while City Hall is to be lit up in poppy red each evening.
“The annual services of Remembrance in our district are always moving events,” said the Mayor. “It is important that we continue to remember all those who have lost their lives, have been wounded, have suffered or are still suffering in any way, due to past and present conflicts around the world.”
In Leeds, the Lord Mayor Stephen Holroyd will lead the city’s tribute at Victoria Gardens.
A procession of dignitaries will make their way from Leeds Civic Hall at 10.50am tomorrow, with former and current service men and women and veterans’ organisations.
A multi-faith service will be led by the Right Rev Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall, before a bugle sounds the Last Post to signal the start of a national two-minute silence.
Coun Holroyd, said: “The act of remembrance is an opportunity to come together as one community to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
In York, with a procession from Clifford’s Tower to the Leeman Road memorial, dignitaries are to be accompanied by serving military regiments, with brass bands, wreath laying, and The Last Post to bring together a sombre reflection.
The Lord Mayor, Coun Margaret Wells, said: “Remembrance Sunday is a very special day. It brings the city together to pay our respects for those who have fallen, and show our gratitude to those who serve, including reservists and veterans. It is an honour to be able to mark this day alongside members of the Armed Forces, residents and visitors, and share our hopes for a peaceful future.”
The Very Revd John Dobson, Dean of Ripon Cathedral, has spoken of his hopes for a time of reflection and peace.
“These coming days invite us to reflect and learn the lessons of the past and the lessons of the present,” he said.
“As in far too many parts of the world, tragically, conflicts and wars still rage in increasingly threatening ways.”
Here in the Cathedral, carved in the east wall, are the names of those killed in the First World War, he said, that serve only too presently as a reminder.
“We have often said on Remembrance Sunday, now is the opportunity to resolve once more not to forget,” he said.