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04
Dec 2021
Christmas candlelit vigil planned for Stonefall war dead
Harrogate mum Benji Walker has been running Candles for Heroes every year since 2018. Stonefall is one of the largest war grave sites in northern England.
Candles will be lit for more than 1,000 fallen soldiers at Stonefall Cemetary on Sunday December 19.
Harrogate mum Benji Walker has been running Candles for Heroes every year since 2018 because she does not want the men to be forgotten.
Ms Walker said:
"I have a son who serves in the Yorkshire Regiment. It's important to me. They should be always be remembered. Christmas is a special time anyway for family, so it's a nice time to remember the sacrifice they gave."
Stonefall is one of the largest war grave sites in northern England.
The cemetery was created in 1914 but most burials are airmen who died during the Second World War when bomber command bases were established in Yorkshire. About two-thirds of the dead are Canadian.
Read more:
- Story of the lone Japanese First World War soldier buried in Ripon
- Wreaths laid at newly restored Harrogate war memorial
In 2019 around 80 people came to pay their respects where a service was held including sea and air cadets as well as a bugler playing the Last Post.
Last year was a private service was held due to covid restrictions.
This year anyone is invited to attend at Stonefall Cemetery on December 19 at 4pm.
Donations are appreciated with all money raised shared between Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Help for Heroes.
For more information visit the Candles For Heroes Facebook page.
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