Teens mark Christmas remembrance with candlelit tribute at war graves cemetery
A moving candlelit ceremony remembering those who died during the First and Second World Wars has been held by teenagers from the Sea and Army Cadet Forces at a major war graves cemetery in North Yorkshire.
Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate is the largest war graves site in the north of England and the final resting place for more than 1,000 servicemen and women – the vast majority of whom died while operating from airfields across Yorkshire during the Second World War.
The event, organised annually by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, brought together local dignitaries, members of the public and teenagers from military youth organisations, including the Sea Cadets and the Army Cadet Force.
Those involved gathered at the cemetery ahead of sunset to light the hundreds of candles needed to mark every grave. Placed in jars, the youngsters were asked to say aloud the names of those remembered on the many headstones.
Elizabeth Smith, public engagement coordinator for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, explained: "The reason we do this is because there's a saying... 'you die twice', the first time when you take your last breath, the second time is when somebody says your name for the last time.
"We want to keep the memories of these men and women going for as long as we can, so that's why we ask everybody to say the name."
The service included a traditional act of remembrance, the laying of wreaths – including by Harrogate's mayor – and the sounding of The Last Post by three Sea Cadet buglers.
There were also solemn hymns, including Abide With Me, sung by a local choir, who also added a festive note by performing In the Bleak Midwinter as the youngsters lit and placed the candles.
Thirteen-year-old Claudia, from Bilton in Harrogate, was one of the Sea Cadets involved. She said it was important to remember those lost during the First and Second World Wars – particularly at Christmas.
"I think it's important to remember and honour all the people that served for us," the youngster added.
The candlelit service was first held eight years ago and was originally established by local woman Benji Walker, the mother of a soldier who served in the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
Benji said: "This year, we have marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and I feel it is important today to pay tribute to the sacrifice of those who gave everything to serve this country."
"The Candlelit Christmas Remembrance is a chance for people to come together to remember the sacrifice of the hundreds of CWGC casualties buried at Stonefall, many of them thousands of miles from home."
"As the candles are placed, we will encourage all those attending to remember each casualty by name as a reminder that behind each headstone is a person."
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