VIDEO: Hundreds gather for rededication of Cleckheaton's war memorial
THE names of seven servicemen from the Spen Valley have been permanently etched into the town's history after hundreds gathered to honour their sacrifice.
An estimated 1,000 people gathered on a hot and humid Saturday morning for the poignant rededication of Cleckheaton's War Memorial. Spectators, young and old, watched as a parade of veterans, local dignitaries, Scouts and army representatives, led by the West Yorkshire Fire Service Band, marched from the town hall to the park.
The names – S/Sgt Edward Butler, CSM Peter Henry Lindsay, Sgt Paul Douglas Oram, Pte John Anthony Connor, Cpl Stephen Smith, Sgt Christian Ian Hickey and S/Sgt Geoffrey Fletcher – were of men who had died while serving in the army between 1948 and the present day. Sgt Hickey was the most recent casualty added to the memorial, following his death in Iraq four years ago.
The drumhead ceremony unfolded with military precision as the Bishop of Pontefract, the Rt Rev Tony Robinson, led the service with hymns and prayers.
He said: "This is an opportunity to give thanks to those that have served their country in past conflicts and we are adding the names of seven men who have given their lives to their country since World War Two."
Unveiling the memorial was Maj Gen Jonathan Shaw – whose grandfather Lieut Col Alfred Mowat performed the original unveiling of almost 500 names in 1922 – who gave a moving speech in front of an enthralled audience.
"In 1922, the memorial remembered the 470 from Spenborough who had died - mercifully this time we remember far fewer," he said.
"But regardless of the difference in numbers, his sentiments then, and I suggest our sentiments now, are the same – pride in our people, recognition of the challenges they faced, gratitude for their service, and humble and grateful acknowledgement of the sacrifice they made.
"Now, as then, we should be proud of this magnificent memorial and what it represents."
Maj Gen Shaw thanked the Spen Area Committee for investing 80,000 and the Kirklees Culture and Leisure service, for their grant of 19,000 – both of which were spent on a full refurbishment of the monument last year.
He added: "For those who die in the service of their country rightly deserve our everlasting gratitude and continued commemoration. To the immortal memory of Spenborough's dead, I unveil this memorial."
Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Julie Stewart-Turner and the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Jane Gummer laid a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
The families of the seven, accompanied by members of the cadets, laid their wreaths at the monument amid emotional scenes.
The assembled guests were also treated to a stirring choral performance by pupils of West End Middle School led by teacher Alison Branson.
The service concluded with a speech by Eddie Morton, co-organiser and chairman of the Spenborough Royal British Legion, who praised the commitment of the council, Maj Gen Shaw and Legion secretary David Walker.
"This event has been planned for over six months and we chose today for the ceremony long before the Ministry of Defence decided this day would become Armed Forces Day," he said.
"This event would not have been possible if it was not for David Walker who has been the driving force in the organisation for the last six months."
For the families of the seven men the day was a chance to commemorate the sacrifices their loved ones made and to draw some closure from the ceremony.
Brian Smith, father of Cpl Stephen Smith, spent much of the 1990s campaigning for his son's name to be added to the memorial.
He said: "It's a very emotional day but the British Legion have done a brilliant job. It's difficult but we're very proud."
The family of S/Sgt Geoffrey Fletcher was represented by his nephew Chris Fletcher and great-nephew Mark.
They said: "It was an excellent service and wonderful to see the military people that turned up – that was a very proud moment for us. The ceremony was very fitting and it was great to see so many people in the park."
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
