A SOLDIER standing guard outside the chapel, with head bowed, was a poignant reminder to people attending the 100th Anniversary Remembrance Service held in High Royds Memorial Chapel in Menston.
A specially commissioned and smaller illuminated version of the soldier was dedicated at the Service and is now on permanent display in the chapel.
The Service of readings, prayers and quiet reflection was moving in its simplicity and the futility and waste of war was highlighted by Quentin Mackenzie, the Hon Secretary of the Friends of High Royds Memorial Garden, when he read the poem Dulce et Decorum est (pro patria mori) written by the poet Wilfred Owen MC who was killed on November 4th just one week before the Armistice. In a bitter twist of fate his mother received the news of his death one week later on November 11th - Armistice Day.
Wilfrid Owen used the quotation, from the poet Horace, which being translated means “It is sweet and honourable to die for one’s country”, to show what the reality of war is really like.
A moving and thought provoking Service was conducted by the Revd. Andrew Howorth who is the Chaplain for the Friends.
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