Remembrance Day events held across North Yorkshire to remember the fallen
The Remembrance Day commemorations for those who have lost their lives in conflicts across the globe remain “as important today as ever”, the leader of North Yorkshire Council has said.
Wreath-laying ceremonies have been held today (Wednesday, November 11) across North Yorkshire as a mark of respect for all those who have lost their lives in wars.
While the annual commemorations date back more than a century to the end of the First World War, the council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, maintained that they still have a huge significance in contemporary times.
He said: “Remembrance Day offers us a moment to reflect on all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
“We are proud of the extremely strong links that North Yorkshire has to the Armed Forces, and those who are serving today should be given the utmost respect for all they do to protect and serve the nation.
“With each passing year, it would be easy for the commemorations to lessen in their significance from where they originated.
“But with the conflicts that are still very evident across the world, it is as important today as ever, to continue the tradition of commemorating all of those who have lost their lives in wars.”
A ceremony which saw a commemorative wreath laid by North Yorkshire Council’s chair, Cllr David Chance, and a two-minute silence held at 11am today was organised at County Hall in Northallerton.
Other commemorations were also held at the council’s bases across the county including Scarborough Town Hall, Ryedale House in Malton, Selby Civic Centre, Mercury House in Richmond and Harrogate Civic Centre.
Cllr Chance said: “This is a moment for us all to remember those who have lost their lives in wars, and the profound impact that has on their loved ones.
“I am honoured to be representing the council as its chair this year and to have the opportunity to play a part in these commemorations in this role.”
North Yorkshire has a long history associated with the Armed Forces which dates back more than a century, and there are 10,770 military personnel in the county – one of the largest numbers nationally.
North Yorkshire is home to Catterick Garrison, which is one of the largest military bases in the country, and the county also has among the highest numbers of veterans nationally.
There were 29,831 former members of the Armed Forces living in North Yorkshire, according to data from the 2021 Census.
The council’s Armed Forces champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, said: “Remembrance Day is a moment to reflect on the past. But it is also important for us to say thank you to all those who are involved in the military as they continue such a proud and important role in protecting the country.”
Remembrance Day began as a means of commemorating the end of the First World War after the beleaguered German forces had asked for an end to the fighting in the autumn of 1918. At 11am on November 11, 1918, the armistice began.
King George V asked the British public to observe a silence at 11am on November 11 the following year - to remember the moment that the guns fell silent.