Those who lost their lives in conflict were remembered alongside those who have died this year in North Yorkshire as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic when the county council’s chairman laid a wreath for Armistice Day yesterday.
Cllr Jim Clark was joined for the ceremony in the grounds of the County Council’s offices in Northallerton by the leader of the council, Cllr Carl Les, and chief executive Richard Flinton.
Cllr Clark said: “Every Armistice Day at 11 o’clock the chairman of the County Council lays a wreath at the memorial at County Hall.
“Although we could not perform the ceremony in the usual way this year because of the restrictions we must all heed to combat the pandemic, it is important that we maintain the tradition.
“It was particularly appropriate this year, because it is the one hundredth anniversary of the burial in Westminster Abbey of the Unknown Warrior, who represents all people. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of both VE Day and VJ Day.
“We should remember that the armed forces based in North Yorkshire continue to make a significant contribution to the defence of the country, as well as to the life or our county.
“And this year we are remembering not only those who lost their lives in conflicts down the years, but also the 600 people in the county we have lost to Covid-19 this year.
“We are also thinking of the many frontline workers, who have given so much of themselves during the year to help all those who have needed support.
“That is why I was determined to maintain this tradition.”
Be the first to comment