The families of soldiers from Yorkshire killed in action or seriously injured in Afghanistan joined The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu at a special service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Bishopthorpe Palace in York last Thursday.
The service, which was held in the chapel at Bishopthorpe Palace, was attended by over 50 parents and partners, brothers and sisters, Visiting and Welfare Officers from across the York Diocese.
The Archbishop said: “We should not forget our brave servicemen and women, who put their lives on the line on a daily basis. We have the best and bravest troops in the world and it is important that they know how highly they are thought of by this nation.”
Among those attending were Jill and Phil Hatton from Haxby, parents of the late Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton. Matthew was killed in action on Thursday 13 August 2009 when he was caught in an improvised explosive device blast whilst on foot patrol in the Sangin area of Helmand province.
“Phil and I have been to a number of these memorial events and feel that this is an important part of the grieving process,” said Jill.
“We have been to some large services but a small event like this is easier to deal with and more personable. Many of the families in the chapel have shared the same grief we have.”
Also attending the service was Mrs Christine Reeson-Walden from Grimsby whose son, Corporal James Wilkinson, was seriously injured by a blast from an improvised explosive device in June this year. James (20), a former pupil of Woldgate School in Pocklington, is currently being treated at Headley Court.
“It has been emotional to be with other Mums and it was nice to light a candle in memory of those who lost their lives and say a prayer for all those in hospital at the moment,” said Christine who said that James was now on the road to recovery.
The head of the Army in Yorkshire and the North East, Brigadier Greville Bibby CBE read from the Bible during the service and joined the Archbishop and the families at a reception afterwards.
“It is so important for those of us in the Armed Forces to feel supported and valued by the communities in which we live,” said Brigadier Bibby.
“When you consider the trauma suffered by those families who have lost a loved one or their nearest and dearest has suffered serious injuries, then that support is even more important.
“What this service has brought home to me is that it is very easy to show that support and that love at the time of the death or injury, however, the families live with the consequences forever.