Yorkshire remembers: Poignant services held to honour war dead on Armistice Day

Armistice, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marks the moment the great guns of the First World War were first stilled, so long since in 1918.

But with each passing year that poignancy is remembered, honouring those who served and who have laid down their lives in ultimate sacrifice.

Heads were bowed in tribute across the nation, to mark the two-minutes' silence that followed the distinctive calls of a bugler's Last Post. And across Yorkshire , in city squares, on Town Hall steps, and outside village memorials, thousands had gathered to pay their respects and to give gratitude to the region's veterans.

In York, the Minster was brought to a standstill as Great Peter tolled 11 times. In Leeds, services closed with a rendition of God Save the King.

And at Sheffield Forgemasters, where six bronze plaques on the gate list the names of steel workers lost in war, flags were lowered to half mast as chaplains led outdoor services.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, and Gareth Barker, chief operating officer, said it was significant to commemorate the sacrifice of the city’s fallen.

He said: “It is difficult to do justice to those who sacrificed everything, and those who continue to risk life to protect their country, but we have an obligation to stop and remember the selfless bravery of those men and women.”

Ahead of Remembrance Sunday tomorrow, civic leaders have spoken of the importance of honouring those who laid down their tomorrows for our today.

To the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Robert Gettings, Remembrance Sunday will see the city brought together to honour the "heroic efforts" of so many in the armed forces.

Coun Tajamal Khan, the mayor of Rotherham, added: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces, past and present."

Remembrance Sunday will see services across Yorkshire, from York Minster to Ripon Cathedral and with parades, prayers and wreaths to be laid at memorials.

In York, soldiers are to march through the city before a light gun salute to mark the start of the two-minute silence at 11am. Junior soldiers will attend ceremonies in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge, while in Hull members of the Yorkshire Regiment and the Royal Logistic Corps will march to the war memorial.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Martin Love, said: “It is important to continue to remember all those who have lost their lives, been wounded, have suffered or are still suffering in any way, due to past and present conflicts around the world."